However, no one could have planned for Recicar and a host of injuries to engulf the Aces defense core, which has forced forwards Mike Thomson and Ian McLaughlin to help out on the blue line. With that being said, as the season has progressed, it’s fair to say that the expectations on Neville were lessened a tad, especially with the Brooklyn offense producing every night, giving whoever is in net a much bigger margin for error than he could have had otherwise. Because of the way the Aces’ offense has played this season, some may even think the Aces could get away with having a mediocre goaltender in net every night.

In spite of those thoughts though, Neville has been the backbone of an Aces team that continues to rise above every adversity this season and a key reason why they continue to win with only three natural defensemen in the lineup over their past few games.

“I look at it as my job,” said Neville, who has refused to make excuses this season and has consistently stuck by his defense. “It’s my job to cover up for mistakes. I’m the last line of defense. That’s what I’m here for.”

As of Dec. 28, Neville ranks first in the league with eight wins, a 2.91 GAA and a .916 save percentage. Based on those numbers alone, it’s easy to see how much he has meant to the Aces this season.

“He’s been great,” said Aces coach Chris Firriolo. “He’s been our backstop for most of the season because of Miro’s injury. You can only ask for your goaltender to keep his goals against at about 2.50 and his save percentage at, or over .900 and he’s done just that and more this season. He gives us a chance to win every night.”

In spite of his numbers that clearly indicate his place amongst the goaltenders in the EPHL however, Neville’s best quality may be his mindset.

Ready for whatever may come on the ice over the rest of the season, Neville is prepared to step up his game and continue to be a driving force in the team’s success.

“I think as the season goes on, teams are going to continue to get better,” he said. “We get to play each other quite a bit and because of that, we’re learning more and more about one another. It’s going to make things interesting down the road.”

That willingness to continue to get better Neville feels, combined with the players in the Brooklyn locker room that share that same sentiment, may produce an end result to the season that many fans will be happy about come March.

“First place,” Neville said. “ We have such a good group of guys. Everybody gets along. This team is a small group of guys and we really rely on each other. Of all the teams I’ve been on, this team has that sense of togetherness the most. All we have is each other.”

Photos by Patrick Hickey Jr.

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Enter Eric Frank.

A point a game player for his entire college career at U-Mass-Darmouth, the 27-year-old, who was signed on his birthday by the team, was brought in to fill Resendes’ shoes and has done more than anyone had thought he was capable of up to this point.

In five games with the team, Frank, who played his last professional game nearly a year and half ago before joining the Aces, has five points and has formed an instant camaraderie with new linemates B.J. Kuper and Jesse Felten.

The end result has been a match made in heaven for both Brooklyn and Frank.

“I’ve been out of hockey for a while and got that itch back,” Frank said before stepping on to the ice or the first time with Brooklyn on Dec. 20. “I’m happy I have an opportunity here and I’m going to prove I can still play.”

Earning an assist his first game back, a 4-2 Aces win over the New Jersey Rockhoppers, Frank drew instant praise from both the Brooklyn coaching staff and his linemates for his efforts.

A self-proclaimed pass-first type forward, Frank set up Felten and Kuper on several scoring opportunities that night, proving he is indeed a more than adequate passer. Possessing plenty of speed to keep pace with the fleet of foot Kuper and Felten, the line has quickly become one to watch out for as well.

“I think our coach knew what he had with us when he put us together,” said Kuper. “It was Frank’s first game back in a while and he worked really hard out there. We were cruising together.”

If they were cruising in their first game together, while Frank was still getting his hockey legs back, they were undoubtedly flying on Dec. 23 when Frank registered a goal and an assist in a 7-3 Brooklyn win. While he went scoreless in the team’s 3-1 win on Dec. 7, he bounced right back the next day against Hudson Valley dishing out two helpers in a 7-4 Aces victory.

Also beginning to show a bit of grit to his game, in addition to good, two-way senses, Frank looks to be carving quite a niche for himself with his new team.

The Aces coaching staff couldn’t agree more.

“We knew he was a talented player, he had a very good college career” said Aces coach Chris Firriolo. “We just felt he needed some time to put things back together. He’s been great for us so far though. I think you’re going to be hearing his name quite a lot over the next few weeks.”

Photos by Patrick Hickey Jr.

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Chatting with Aces Over Brooklyn this past Saturday before the team took on the Mad Hatters at Aviator Arena, Hoffman talks about his game this season, in addition to discussing how it feels to be only one of three healthy natural defensemen on the team and how the team’s recent losing streak may have been a good thing after all.

Check it out!

As always, you can listen directly here at: http://www.switchpod.com/users/patrickhickeyjr1/DougHoffman1227.mp3

Or you can download the file on to your I-Pod or I-Phone here:

http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=294739484

Photo by Patrick Hickey Jr.

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In other news, Brannigan’s older brother, Bobby, who scored his first professional goal yesterday against the Hudson Valley Bears, has been placed on waivers.

Photo by Patrick Hickey Jr.

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The Aces started off quickly in the first, getting goals from McCollaugh, James Brannigan and the still white-hot Mike Christensen, giving them a 3-0 lead after one period of play.

Hudson Valley was far from finished for the night however. A goal by defenseman Chris Clark cut the Brooklyn lead to 3-1 at 5:33. The Aces bounced right back after recent addition Bobby Brannigan, the brother of the Aces and EPHL’s leading scorer, netted his first professional goal just 1:36 later to make it a three-goal game again. Tallies by Dan Malloy and Mark Lebenns [who some may remember was a training camp invitee of the Aces this season] cut the Brooklyn lead to 4-3.

A Chris Holmes goal at 3:45 of the third gave Brooklyn a two-goal lead once again, but former Ace Scott Estey scored 3:20 later to make it a 5-4 game.

That’s all the offense Hudson Valley could muster though, as the Aces added two more goals by the end of the third, one being McCollaugh’s second and the other being an empty net marker by Mike Thomson, giving Brooklyn the 7-4 win.

Notes-

With the win, the Aces are 13 points ahead of the second place New Jersey Rockhoppers.

In just 18 games, Brooklyn has scored 105 goals.

Eric Frank had two assists for Brooklyn.

Aces goaltender Miro Recicar made 22 saves on 26 shots, while Hudson Valley netminder Vincent Januska made a whopping 40 saves on 46 shots.

Aces captain Chad Wilcox did not appear in the game.

Photos by Patrick Hickey Jr.

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Outscoring their opponents 98-49 this season, the Aces have gotten amazing offensive production from all three lines for most of the season. However, in spite of the balanced production, the Aces top line of James Brannigan, Kyle McCullough and C.J. Tozzo, aptly dubbed the “BMT” line, has been the team’s bread and butter offensively the majority of the time. That hasn’t been the case recently though, as center Mike Christensen has been on a tear, recording 11 points in his last four games. Already averaging a point a game and playing exceptional two-way hockey all season before his recent hot streak, Christensen has now put himself on center stage and has quickly become one of the league’s best all-around players.

With Christensen streaking and the BMT line continuing to thrive, the Aces have the top four scorers in the league in their lineup.

They also have the two best goaltenders in the league on paper in Eddie Neville and Miro Recicar, who will get the start tonight. Making 20 saves in his return, Recicar got better as the game went on and played a big part in the team’s 3-1 win yesterday.

“The first five or six minutes, I was a bit nervous; it’s been almost two weeks since I played,” he said after the game. “After that though, I felt good and I’m ready to play again tomorrow. I know the team is tired right now, but I haven’t played in a while and I feel great. I’m ready for what ever comes my way.”

On defense, despite missing the injured Mike Richards, who apparently was admitted to a hospital two nights ago with an ailment and Rob Miller, the Aces have been getting solid defensive play all season from Doug Hoffman and Nick Grove, who have both sacrificed the flair of their impressive offensive games to make sure the team is well supported in their own end. Add in converted forwards Ian McLaughlin and Mike Thomson, who will also see time on the forward lines and the Aces patchwork defensive core can still hold down the fort well enough until they get healthy again.

Using 55 players already in just 14 games, it’s extremely hard to assess what the Hudson Valley Bears can do on the ice. With apparent problems between their coaching staff and ownership, that process becomes an even more difficult task. Sure, they have a top-notch offensive defenseman in Dan Malloy, who leads the team in scoring with 20 points and the gritty Jerry Cardinale, who has five points with the team since coming over from Brooklyn via waivers, alongside the massive Gabe Yeung on defense, but with a 1-13 record and no real force behind the pipes, this game is not going to be pretty.

Unless the Bears can find someway to shut down the Aces offensive attack with a solid defensive effort and even better goaltending, this game will be over before the National Anthem is sung.

Photos by Patrick Hickey Jr.

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This afternoon, they did it again, but it wasn’t pretty.

Both teams fought hard all game long, combining for 44 penalty minutes, but it was the Aces who ended up prevailing in a 3-1 win, thanks in part to a solid defensive effort, quality goaltending and of course, timely offense.

“Today, we were very consistent,” said Aces head coach Chris Firriolo. “We battled through a lot last night and showed a lot of character and to do what we did today was very impressive. We’re starting to gel and play better defense.”

Miro Recicar made his first appearance for Brooklyn since Dec. 6, after a stint with the Elmira Jackals of the ECHL and dealing with an injured ankle afterwards. Shaky at the start, Recicar gave up an Igor Karlov tally at 4:59 that put Danbury ahead 1-0.

With 7:34 remaining in the first, Mike Christensen continued his hot play as of late, scoring on a rebound after an Ian McLaughlin shot from the point on the powerplay to tie the score at 1-1. Just 1:32 later, James Brannigan lit the lamp for the league-leading 21st time this season, also with the man-advantage, giving Brooklyn a 2-1 lead going into the second.

“We felt good,” said Christensen. “We’re tired and beat up and they play a physical game. They bang out there and work really hard. We really pulled through though.”

Things started off quietly in the second until a Kyle McCollaugh goal at 8:13 made it a two-goal game at 3-1. The score remained that way in the third, as Recicar settled down nicely after a shaky first. Danbury goaltender Derek MacIntyre was also solid, despite facing a handful of powerplay opportunities.

Now winners of their last four, the Aces extended their first place lead over the New Jersey Rockhoppers, who play the Hudson Valley Bears later tonight, to 13 points.

Battling injuries and team-wide fatigue, the Aces have found a way to run on virtually all cylinders. Nevertheless, they understand that things can change very quickly if they don’t continue to play with the same amount of passion they’ve been playing with lately.

“We’ll have time to rest later,” said Recicar. “We have to stay focused right now.”

Notes-

The Aces will play their third game in a row tomorrow in Hudson Valley.

Recicar is scheduled to get the start tomorrow as well.

The Aces were two for nine on the powerplay.

Recicar made 20 saves in his return.

Dealing with an injury to defenseman Mike Richards, the Aces were forced to dress Brannigan’s older brother, Bobby, 29, who played his college hockey at SUNY-Fredonia. He was -1 on the night on one shift.

“I always wanted to play pro hockey with my brother,” he said. “In all the years that we’ve played, we’ve never played together. It was a lot of fun.”

Injury Update-

Tony Resendes is expected back sometime next week from a second degree MCL sprain he suffered on Dec. 18 against Danbury.

Photos by Patrick Hickey Jr.

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Continuing to play with only three natural defensemen in the lineup and Ian McLaughlin and Mike Thomson being double-shifted at forward and defense, the Aces continue to outperform their opponents. Last night, the Aces were forced to come back from an early deficit, after Danbury sniper Igor Karlov scored at 1:20 to give the Hatters an early 1-0 lead.

Luckily for Brooklyn, Jesse Felten scored with just 1:34 remaining in the period to tie the score going into the second. A three- goal period in the second for the Aces on tallies by Chris Holmes, James Brannigan and a powerplay marker by Nick Grove gave Brooklyn a 4-1 lead going into the final period.

Danbury defenseman Dan Hickman scored to cut the lead to 4-2 in the third, but it wasn’t enough as Brooklyn went on to win. After losing two in a row, the Aces have rediscovered their early-season dominance, winning their last three games and outscoring their opponents 15-7 in the process.

Notes-

Chad Wilcox had 27 minutes in penalties last night after fighting with Jason Michelson
and Hark Carisio and currently leads the league with 146 PIM in only 16 games played.

Christensen assisted on every Brooklyn goal last night and was th only Ace to record a multi-point game.

For the first time this season, Aces center C.J. Tozzo failed to register a point..

Aces goaltender Eddie Neville was again strong making 35 saves on 37 shots.

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Nevertheless, after surrendering three goals in the third period, Aces head coach Chris Firriolo wasn’t happy and he let his team know it.

“I was disappointed,” he said on Tuesday night following the Aces 7-3 win over the Hatters. “As a coach, I’m not as concerned with the score of the game. I just want them to come out and give a complete 60-minute effort. That didn’t happen tonight and it’s something I’m going to be concerned with until it happens consistently. In spite of that though, they got back on track afterwards and put the pieces together. I was impressed with that.”

Another thing Firriolo was impressed with was the play of the newly formed line of Eric Frank, B.J. Kuper and Jesse Felten, who were a force on both ends of the ice.

“They looked good out there,” he said. “They work really well together.”

With all three lines clicking the way they have as of late, the Aces injuries on defense have not been a factor and the team has found a way to build momentum in their favor, making them a true force to be reckoned with.

Danbury on the other hand, isn’t too shabby a team either.

Scoring three goals in just under five minutes of play on Tuesday, Danbury proved that they can skate on the same ice as Brooklyn, they just have to show the same type of hustle they exhibited when they beat the Aces on Dec. 18; the kind of effort that absolutely wasn’t there on Tuesday.

With players such as Igor Karlov, Duane Whitehead,Mike O’Sullivan and Dan Hickman, the Mad Hatters have the offensive firepower to hold the ice with Brooklyn. However, if Ian McLaughlin, Mike Richards and the rest of the Aces defense continues to step up to the plate, Danbury’s offense will be stopped in it’s tracks.

Photo by Ron Hatcher.

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Now out six to eight weeks with a third-degree sprain of his MCL, Resendes is now forced to watch on the sidelines.

Nevertheless, the youngster has proved his ability as a teammate over he past few games, cheering for his teammates in the stands and handing out congratulatory slaps on the rear outside the locker room after games. Chatting with Aces Over Brooklyn on Dec. 13 before the team took on the New Jersey Rockhoppers, Resendes talks about his game, his influences and what he thinks of his new teammates.

Check it out!

As always, you can listen directly here at: http://www.switchpod.com/users/patrickhickeyjr1/AcesOverBrooklynPodcastTonyResendesInterview.mp3

Or you can download the file on to your I-Pod or I-Phone here:

http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=294739484

Photo by Ron Hatcher.

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Five days later and fresh off a 4-2 win against New Jersey however, the Aces had their way with MacIntyre all night long, scoring seven goals on 42 shots in an impressive 7-3 win.

“Danbury is a good club,” said Aces coach Chris Firriolo. “Every time we play them it’s a battle. This win gives us a bit of momentum when we go there on Friday.”

Playing with their biggest physical edge of the young season, the Aces jumped out to an early lead after Mike Christensen scored on a breakaway goal at 2:16. At 10:53, the EPHL’s leading goal scorer, James Brannigan netted a powerplay marker after some nifty passing from C.J. Tozzo, putting the Aces up by two. 5:41 later, MacIntyre coughed up another goal after Chad Wilcox intercepted a neutral zone pass and gave it up to Christensen for his second tally of the night.

On the other end of the ice, Aces goaltender Eddie Neville was anything but erratic, making several sprawling saves that kept the score 3-0 through one period of play.

“I feel better the more I play,” said Neville before he made 26 saves on the night. “I feel really confident and comfortable right now.”

With Neville still exceptionally strong in net and Chad Wilcox taking down K.C. Caudill in scrap early on in the second, it was obvious the Aces had Danbury on their heels. After Eric Frank netted his first professional goal in almost two seasons at 7:05 on assists from B.J. Kuper and Jesse Felten, it appeared that Brooklyn was in total control and were beating Danbury in every facet of the game. With 46.9 seconds left in the second, the “Three Amigos” line of Christensen, Felten and Chris Holmes was reunited on the powerplay and produced, as Holmes tapped in a loose rebound and put Brooklyn up by five going into the third period.

Aside from producing another scrap between Wilcox and Caudill, the early part of the third period was once again all about the Brooklyn offense. At 4:45, the line of Kuper, Frank and Felten was at it again after a Felten goal in traffic made it 6-0.

“I feel awesome right now,” said Felten. “Getting back with my two other amigos for a little while helped me a bit. I have a good thing going with Frank and Kuper too, we work really hard and get a lot of chances because of it.”

Just when things seemed to be going perfect for Brooklyn, Danbury managed to spoil Neville’s shutout bid on a Stephen Schofield goal at 9:52. Less than two minutes later, Danbury inched it’s way closer with an Igor Karlov shorthanded tally that made it 6-2. With 6:19 remaining, the Mad Hatters scored again, this time off the stick of Mykul Haun, making it a 6-3 game.

Soon after, Firriolo called a time-out and made sure this time they didn’t surrender another goal. Keeping defensive specialists like Kuper and Christensen out for a large chunk of the remaining time, the Aces clamped down on defense and after Felten drew a penalty with four minutes remaining, the game was back in the Aces hands.

“That timeout changed the momentum,” said Felten. “We needed it too.”

Soon after, the “Three Amigos” line scored again on what appeared to be Christensen’s best Pelle impersonation, as he kicked the puck over to Holmes, who deposited the pass into the back of the net at 16:58. The Aces then went on cruise control and finished the rest of the game with the same intensity they started it with, winning by a score of 7-3.

With the win, it appears that the Aces have put their recent two-game losing streak behind them and are once again, the unquestioned kings of the EPHL.

Nevertheless, this team understands they have to dedicate themselves to playing a complete game and cannot afford to fall apart when they have a big lead.

“We still need to be able to shutdown teams more not like them come back. We have to make a statement,” said Christensen, who had four points on the night. “Eddie’s [Neville] stats are just as important as anybody else’s. He keeps us in games. In spite of that though, we’re happy we came out with the win. Merry Christmas.”

Video-

Chad Wilcox vs K.C. Caudill

The video is also available now on the team’s fight page as well.

Photos by Ron Hatcher.

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For those who missed the Brooklyn Aces’ last game on December 20, you may have missed a big time moment in the team’s season.

Already without Tony Resendes and Rob Miller, the Aces were forced to skate with four defensemen, with forward Mike Thomson getting double shifted at both positions, but were still able to fight off a New Jersey Rockhoppers team that seems to get better every time it comes to Aviator.

That, my friends, means something.

However, the Aces are still shorthanded and things may get worse before they get better. Out for nearly a period on Saturday, Aces defenseman Nick Grove, who has been extremely steady on both ends of the ice this season, looked extremely uncomfortable on the ice the rest of the game, grimacing with every stride. If the steady Grove is indeed out of the lineup, the Aces will not only need Thomson to play defense the entire game against Danbury, they may need an emergency call up at forward.

Nevertheless, in spite of all of the injuries, the Aces are anything but a down and out team. For the first time in nearly two weeks, the team has all three lines contributing offensively. All three lines also provide extremely different looks, which could tire the Danbury defense out after a period or two.

Everyone knows what the Aces “BMT” line of James Brannigan, Kyle McCollaugh and C.J. Tozzo is capable of, but the team’s new line combinations are also extremely dangerous. Mike Christensen, Mike Thomson and Chris Holmes can be a first line on any other team in the league and with Thomson on the wing now instead of speedster Jesse Felten, that line just got a big injection of grit and shooting ability. The team’s other line of “Super” B.J. Kuper, new addition Eric Frank and the league’s new “heavyweight champion” in Felten is speed personified. However, Frank’s ability to pass, combined with Felten’s hustle and Kuper’s more than solid two-way ability make this a line that can do a lot on the ice as well. If the Aces can find a way to come out hard out of the gate and avoid an early flat effort, the Mad Hatters will have their hands full on defense, which can produce a big period offensively for the team.

As the Aces have proved a handful of times this season, all they need is one big period.

Coming off a 10-2 win against the lowly Hudson Valley Bears on Saturday, Danbury got a hat trick from stud defenseman Dan Hickman, who now has 16 points in 12 games this season. Forward Erik Kent had two goals as well, while leading scorer Igor Karlov [five goals, 18 points] had two assists and Duane Whitehead, the team’s hottest offensive threat as of late, had a goal and an assist.

Simply put, this is not good news for Brooklyn.

Already the grittiest team in the league, if Danbury can now score goals and has options offensively, they will challenge the New Jersey Rockhoppers for second place in the EPHL and perhaps even the Aces in the top spot if they get hot enough. Add in a quality goaltender in Derek MacIntyre [5-2, 3.25 GAA, .905 SP], who has gotten better with every game this season and this has the makings of another quality hockey game.

Photos by Ron Hatcher.

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Chatting with Aces Over Brooklyn before Saturday night’s game against the New Jersey Rockhoppers, the 22-year-old talks about being moved off the “Three Amigos” line and how his game has developed this season.

Check it out!

As always, you can listen directly here at: http://www.switchpod.com/users/patrickhickeyjr1/AcesOverBrooklynPodcast1221JesseFeltenInterview.mp3
Or you can download the file on to your I-Pod or I-Phone here:
http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=294739484

Video-

Jesse Felten vs Mykul Haun 12-18

Video by Patrick Hickey Jr.

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Powered by a three-goal second period, the Eddie Neville-powered Aces [28 saves] forgot about all their bumps and bruises and played one of their most complete games of the season, beating the Rockhoppers 4-2.

Their first win since Dec. 11, the Aces are back in the win column and are ready to continue their reign of dominance atop the EPHL.

“We kept battling,” said Aces head coach Chris Firriolo. “We played smart. It was a great win; we needed it. Our whole defense was great tonight and so was Neville. I thought he was our MVP.”

The first period was an action-packed affair, with both teams each registering 13 shots on goal. Both Neville and New Jersey goaltender Nick Niedert were on their games early on as well, making several solid saves. With 35.3 seconds remaining in the first however, New Jersey broke the stalemate on a Tom Boudreau goal that gave them a 1-0 lead going into the second period.

“Neville played well,” said Aces forward James Brannigan. “He watched his rebounds and gave us a chance to win. We’re all happy with the way he played.”

After failing to capitalize on several scoring chances in the first, the Aces came into the second period a rejuvenated team and got a goal from “Super” B.J. Kuper in traffic at 1:55 that tied the score. Just 54 seconds later, the Aces got the lead after Brannigan scored his league-leading 18th goal of the season on assists from linemates Kyle McCollaugh and C.J. Tozzo. Mike Christensen extended the Aces lead to 3-1 at 9:09 on a beautiful passing play with Chris Holmes in transition that put Brooklyn in the drivers seat.

“We went into the room after the first and really got chewed out by our coach,” said Kuper. “This isn’t the first time that we’ve come out flat either, so we talked about it and decided to come together and we did. We played as a team and everyone fed off each other.”

At 14:42, New Jersey got a freebie after an errant pass by Logan Bittle deflected off of Aces defenseman Doug Hoffman’s skate and past Neville that put the Rockhoppers within one. The goal did nothing to inspire either team though, as the score remained 3-2 going into the final period.

With a one-goal lead in the third Neville shined, making solid save after solid save. With just 1:23 left, Christensen potted his second goal of the night, putting the game away at 4-2.

“A lot of us felt good tonight,” said Christensen. “Everybody knew we had to have energy tonight. The defense got it done and we knew what we had to do. We knew we couldn’t lose three in a row and we came out tonight with what we lacked in our previous two.”

With the win, the Aces have also stretched their first place lead to nine points, but know that now is not the time to rest on their laurels.

“They were phenomenal,” said Firriolo. “But we have to get some rest and get ready for Danbury on Tuesday night.”

Notes-

The game started at 8:10 after a half hour delay, which was caused after a Brannigan shot in warmups hit off the cross bar and ended up breaking a pipe above the rink. The result was a lagoon on the Aces side of the ice that needed to be tended to.

“I’ve never seen anything like that before,” said Aces forward Jesse Felten. “It’s definitely a story to tell people.”

After just one game with the Aces, it appears the Tom Collingham’s tenure with the team appears to be over, as the blue-liner wasn’t in the lineup last night.

“We’ll have to see what happens,” said Firriolo. “It was more of an emergency type of thing, but we may see him again at some point this season.”

As a result, the quartet of Hoffman, Nick Grove, Mike Richards and Ian McLaughlin were double shifted throughout the game, while forward Mike Thomson chipped in on the blue line as well.

Eric Frank drew an assist on Kuper’s goal, giving him a point in his Aces debut.

Grove went down with an injury at the end of the first with an apparent groin injury and returned at the 8:00 mark of the second.

Injury update-

Aces forward Tony Resendes will be out for six to eight weeks with a third degree sprain of his MCL.

Video-

The result of Brannigan’s wrister in warmups.

Photos by Ron Hatcher and Patrick Hickey Jr.

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Signed a few weeks ago to replace Bensonhurst-native Jerry Cardinale, Resendes was thriving, scoring 13 points in only eight games with Brooklyn.

In other news, Brooklyn has signed 26-year-old forward Eric Frank to a contract. A star at U-Mass-Darmouth, where he was a point a game player for four seasons from 2002-06, the 5′11, 185 pound Frank has also played in the CHL, ECHL and SPHL during his career, but hasn’t played in the pros in nearly a year and a half. In his last pro season with the Pee Dee Cyclones of the SPHL in 2006-2007, Frank scored 25 points in 35 games.

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In this exclusive interview done on Dec. 18, before the team took on the Danbury Mad Hatters, AOB interviews Brooklyn Aces head coach Chris Firriolo, who discusses the team’s newest addition, defenseman Tom Collingham, in addition to discussing the depth of his forward lines and some of the injuries that have recently taken a toll on his first-place club.

Check it out!

As always, you can listen directly here at: http://media.switchpod.com/users/patrickhickeyjr1/ChrisFirrioloInterview.mp3

Or you can download the file on to your I-Pod or I-Phone here:

http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=294739484

Photo by Ron Hatcher.

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However, following an overtime loss to New Jersey and a tough loss to a gritty Danbury team on Thursday, the Aces find themselves in unfamiliar waters.

Add in injuries to assistant captain Rob Miller and speedster Tony Resendes and it’s obvious that the Aces have hit their lowest point of the young season. Nevertheless, the team has shown a camaraderie and togetherness that looks like it will help them weather through the storm.

In spite of the loss, the Aces still have the top line in the league with James Brannigan, C.J. Tozzo and Kyle McCollaugh and a host of other players who can put the puck in the net.

The problem right now isn’t so much with the Aces offense as much it is the team’s defense.

Recent addition Tom Collingham looked solid offensively in his first game with Brooklyn, joining the rush and pinching on several occasions, but didn’t get on the scoresheet and gave up on the puck on the powerplay and in the neutral zone a few times. Released by the Wheeling Nailers of the ECHL earlier in the season, the Aces need Collingham to step in and be the same player who scored 41 points in 54 games in Germany last season in order for the defense to stay as solid as it has been.

Other D-men Ian McLaughlin and Mike Richards are still getting used to being back or to the position and are getting better with every game under their belts. Steady blueliners Nick Grove and Doug Hoffman didn’t have their best game defensively against Danbury Thursday night and will have to bounce back quickly. At the end of the day, in order for the Aces to get back in the in column, the entire defense has to limit the neutral zone breakdowns and make the smart first pass. Over the past two home games, Aces goaltender Eddie Neville has been facing a plethora of quality shots. That has to stop if the Aces want to turn their recent fortunes around.

The New Jersey Rockhoppers, on the other hand, are surging, getting quality goaltending from Nick Niedert and a point a game offensive production from Chris Ferazzoli, Kyle Bozoian, Tom Boudreau, Drew Sanders and Russell Spence. They also have Teague Willits-Kelley, who according to the Rockhoppers official website, is in the running for professional hockey’s most popular player. While I’m not sure exactly what that means, I do know that Kelley has an extensive collection of fight video on YouTube and is an accomplished energy player that can annoy the hell out of the opposition.

With that being said, the Aces will have their biggest test of the young season tonight against New Jersey.

With their game last night against Danbury postponed due to inclement weather, New Jersey will also have plenty of energy, making this a great game to watch.

Photo by Ron Hatcher.

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This time around, things were a bit calmer, but were rough and tumble to say the very least. Producing a combined 55 penalty minutes, Danbury and Brooklyn are quickly creating quite a hatred for one another.

However, the Mad Hatters were the ones that laughed last this time around, lighting the lamp five times in a tough 5-4 Brooklyn loss.

“Danbury came out and they really wanted it,” said Aces Head Coach Chris Firriolo. “Our injuries are hurting us right now. We battled back and I’m happy that we did, but we made a lot of mistakes defensively and they hurt us. They were desperate for a win and they accomplished what they wanted tonight. ”

The first period was quiet offensively, as the Aces and Mad Hatters produced just 19 combined shots. The boards and penalty box were anything but mum however after a pair of fights and several penalties made the Aviator penalty boxes look like Carnegie Deli at lunch time. Both Eddie Neville and Derek MacIntyre were solid throughout the period and neither team could capitalize on their opportunities with the man advantage.

The second period started off with a bang for Danbury as an Erik Kent goal just 25 seconds in gave the Hatters a 1-0 lead. Brooklyn did have a few opportunities with the man advantage, but MacIntyre was again on his game, robbing the Aces BMT line of several solid scoring chances. Unfortunately for Brooklyn, Neville wasn’t up to the task, after a Duane Whitehead tally for the Hatters stretched the lead to 2-0. Danbury wasn’t done adding to their lead either. At 11:23, Obi Aduba made it a three-goal game with a marker of his own.

Once again, Brooklyn had an opportunity to crack at the deficit on the powerplay, including a 22 second five on three, but were unable to get anything past MacIntyre. Things changed in a hurry though after Mike Thomson and C.J. Tozzo lit the lamp within 30 seconds of each other at 17:26 and 18:06 to make it a one-goal game going into the third.

“This is a tough one to swallow,” said Tozzo. “We played well and I think you can see through our resolve that we’re starting to play hard for each other and come back when we’re down. I think it’s something that’s going to help us as the season goes on. We would have liked to win this one, but in the grand scheme of things, this may be the best thing for us.”

Down 3-2 in the third, Brooklyn wasted no time getting back into the game, needing just 49 seconds to tie it on a Kyle McCollaugh powerplay goal. Danbury fought right back at 5:24, getting another goal from Whitehead that made it 4-3. At 7:56, the Mad Hatters extended their lead to 5-3 following a Mike O’Sullivan goal.

Soon after, Aces defenseman Doug Hoffman was awarded a penalty shot after being brought to the ice on a breakaway. The big Brooklyn D-man wasn’t able to convert however, leaving the score deadlocked at 5-3. The team also had a chance with the man advantage with 6:19 remaining and was also unable to convert.

The frustration didn’t last for long though after Tozzo’s second of the game on a beautiful passing play between James Brannigan and McCollaugh that cut the Danbury lead to 5-4 with about four minutes remaining. With one last opportunity with 30.7 seconds remaining, the Aces took Neville out of the net and had the man advantage, but once again were unable to light the lamp, losing only their second game in regulation all season, 5-4.

In spite of the loss though, Brooklyn sees a light at the end of the tunnel.

“It hurts because we worked hard,” said Aces captain Chad Wilcox. “We made mental errors and that’s what we’re going to work on tomorrow during our morning skate. Sometimes you need to know the bad before you can taste the sweet.”

Notes-

Neville made 29 saves on 34 shots.

Brooklyn was two for nine on the powerplay.

It took only three seconds before the game’s first fight, as Wilcox and Hank Carisio dropped the gloves, with tempers still hot from the last time these two teams faced off.

“That guy sucker punched Tozzo the last game and I didn’t get a fair shake at him,” Wilcox said. “I wanted to avenge that a little bit. Their coach said they were going to going to come out with their fighters and have a line fight and I didn’t want that to happen, so I made sure I got Carisio. The rule is that once two guys square up, the rest of the players have to go to their benches, so by doing that, I wanted to bring some order to the game.”

Just 30 seconds later, Aces forward Tony Resendes took a spill and didn’t return. He is scheduled to get an MRI on his MCL tomorrow.

You can see Wilcox’s and Felten’s scraps on the team’s updated fight page.

Injury update-

Aces Assistant Captain Rob Miller is expected to miss four to six weeks with a dislocated and fractured thumb suffered on Dec. 12 against the Hudson Valley Bears.

Video-

Doug Hoffman’s penalty shot attempt.

Photos by Ron Hatcher. Video by Patrick Hickey Jr.

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With no indication of how long sniper James Brannigan’s suspension is for or how long assistant captain Rob Miller will be sidelined, the Aces may be shorthanded once again against Danbury.

In spite of being without two of their best players, the Aces can still play with any team in the league, evidenced by their overtime loss to the New Jersey Rockhoppers. However, they’ll have to be on top of their game to make sure Danbury doesn’t squeak out a win.

Armed with a dangerous forward in Igor Karlov, a talented defenseman in Dan Hickman and a surging goaltender in Derek MacIntyre, Danbury has all the pieces in place to challenge Brooklyn. What is not to be overlooked about the Mad Hatters either is their toughness, as Hank Carisio and Mykul Haun can help out offensively as well as drop the gloves with they have to, giving this team just enough diversity to make a run at the second place New Jersey Rockhoppers as the season progresses.

As far as this game goes though, Aces captain Chad Wilcox may have his gloves off longer than he’d like to in this one.

Nevertheless, the Aces, even without Brannigan and Miller, have the most dynamic offense in the league and a more than solid defense to protect goaltender Eddie Neville, who looks to get the nod tonight with the Aces other goaltender, Miro Recicar still on the shelf. However in order to win tonight, they’ll have to continue to get offense from Tony Resendes, who has 13 points in only seven games and has filled in admirably for Brannigan on the team’s top line with C.J. Tozzo and Kyle McCollaugh, as well as “Super” B.J. Kuper, who has eight goals and four assists in 12 games in an energy role. If the Aces do indeed get a team-wide performance and can get a solid performance from their defense, this could be one of the best games of the season.

Stay Tuned.

Photo by Ron Hatcher.

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In one game with Brooklyn this season, Bostic registered two penalty minutes.

In other news, it appears that assistant captain Rob Miller’s injury is more seriously than indicated, as Brooklyn has signed 24-year-old blueliner Tom Collingham. A native of Yonkers, Collingham spent four seasons at the University of Vermont. Last season, he played for the Deggendorf Fire in Germany, where he registered 41 points in 54 games.

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Combining the NHL-caliber speed of Felten, the 95-mph slapshot of Holmes and the two-way ability and slick shooting of Christensen, the “Three Amigos” line have made opposing defensemen miserable this season.

However, the trio didn’t get their name for being friendly on the ice. As a matter of fact, all three, despite being under six feet tall, are gritty players that if forced to, will drop the gloves.

With that being said, how did they get their name?

“We’re goofy, but we have a good time,” said Christensen, who has eight goals and 15 points in 12 games this season. “We live together and spend a lot of time together and it’s been a lot of fun this season. In all seriousness though, we’re out there to do one thing and that’s to score goals. As for me, they bring such skill to my game, it’s humbling to play with them and I know if I work hard, good things are going to happen.”

Comparing themselves to the “Coneheads” line on the 1980 “Miracle” United States Olympic hockey team, the trio believes their fun-loving attitude off the ice make them the perfect combination on the ice.

Before they decided to room together however, the Aces coaching staff knew they had something magical when they were originally put together in training camp.

“They work really well together; they just don’t quit” said Aces coach Chris Firriolo. “We knew they were talented players when we put them together, but they’ve gotten better as the season has gone on.”

Now sharing the same home and the same ice, the group of pals are proving that work can be just as enjoyable as hanging out with your friends.

“We try and keep each other out of trouble,” said Felten, who has 10 point in 12 games this season and could also easily make his case for being the fastest skater in the EPHL. “I love playing with those two. Every where we go, we’re having a good time. It’s been awesome.”

Despite the fact that they all enjoy each other’s company and have quickly formed a bond as friends, they understand that it’s their job to continue to put puck in the net.

That doesn’t mean they won’t have fun doing it though.

“Since day one, we always connected,” said Holmes, whose vicious slapshot has helped him to amass six goals and 15 points in 11 games this season. “Normally, when you first meet someone, there’s a feeling out process and there wasn’t with us. We connected as people and we connected on the ice even more.

“There’s a comfort level out there with us. It’s like we know where each other are going to be. We trust each other and we know what it takes to get our job done out there.”

Photo by Ron Hatcher.

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Through 12 games this season, Brooklyn Aces defenseman Nick Grove has sparkled on both ends of the ice, scoring 10 points and manning the point on both the powerplay and the penalty kill. However, what is even more impressive is the fact that this season marks Grove’s return to professional hockey after a year and a half away from the sport. At 26, Grove is still a candidate to advance to higher levels, but at the same time is the consistent and reliable veteran the Aces will need in order to make the playoffs and perhaps even win a championship this season. Chatting with AcesOverBrooklyn.com, Grove talks about his game, his teammates and his favorite part of this young season.

Aces Over Brooklyn- You were out of hockey for a while, but it seems like you’ve just jumped right in and you haven’t missed a beat. How do you feel right now?

Nick Grove- I feel good right now. I think it took me a few games to get back into it. My skating is back and passing is back so that’s a good sign. I think whenever you jump right into hockey at his level it takes some time to get adjusted to the speed again.

AOB- In spite of losing a few key players, the Aces defense has still been exceptionally strong. That says a lot about the depth and skill you guys have back there. How do you guys feel as a unit right now?

Grove- I think everybody feels really good right now. We lost two defenseman, but we have Ian [McLaughlin] and Mike [Richards] coming in who can play well and Dougie [Hoffman], Rob [Miller] and myself are averaging close to a point a game. I think that it comes down to just keeping things simple and giving it up to the forwards so they can do their job. Even defensively though, we’re not getting a lot of goals scored on us. Right now, I think were playing cohesively well as a team and that always makes things easier.

AOB- I remember talking to you before the season started and you were very excited to get started. In spite of that, did you expect things to go as well as they have this season?

Grove- No. Not at all. I think it says something that we’ve played as well as we have this season. We don’t always start on the right foot either, but as soon as we get going, we blow teams away. I definitely didn’t expect that. As far as my own play goes, I didn’t expect to come out this early and play as well as I have. I knew it was going to take a couple of days, but I wasn’t expecting this many points after ten games.

AOB- Have you had to make any adjustments from the way you used to play before this season?

Grove- I don’t think I’ve had to make any adjustments, even though I know I play with more confidence now. Maybe that comes from being a little older. As a kid, you get kind of nervous and right now, even in tight situations, with a lot of pressure, I like it a lot more than I used to.

AOB- With McLaughlin and Richards still getting back in the thick of things, it looks like you’ll have some added responsibility over the next few games. Is that something you’re looking forward to?

Grove- Absolutely. I love pressure situations. I love playing the powerplay and penalty kill and it’s something I’ve been doing since th season started. I don’t think my playing time is going to change all that much though. We’ve been rotating five defensemen all season, so I really don’t think too much is going to change.

AOB- What’s been your favorite part of the season so far?

Grove- Just being here with these guys in the locker room. It’s been something that I really missed. Like every new job you get, there’s a feeling out process and I have to say that every guy on this team is great and they all want to be here. We’re all real loose and always playing jokes on each other; it’s been a lot of fun, but once we get on the ice, all of that stops and we’re all very serious about what happens out there.

Photos by Ron Hatcher.

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This week, I shoot the breeze with Aces defenseman Mike Richards, who is fresh off a stint on Injured Reserve. Happy to be back, the d-man talks about his game, who he grew up emulating as a kid and where he sees himself as the season progresses.

With Rob Miller now on the shelf, expect an expanded role for the youngster over next few games.  A solid two-way defenseman in juniors, Richards is capable of big things on both ends and this may be his first real opportunity to show what he’s made of.

Check it out!

As always, you can listen directly here at: http://www.switchpod.com/users/patrickhickeyjr1/AOB1220.mp3

Or you can download the file on to your I-Pod or I-Phone here:

http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=294739484

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Today, he’s the only one to do so, twice.

Making 40 saves, Niedert proved why he was called up to ECHL a few weeks ago and then some, standing on his head and leading New Jersey to a 5-4 overtime win over the Brooklyn Aces.

After the team’s whopping 11-3 win over Hudson Valley on Friday, various members of the organization were concerned how the team was going to respond against a much better team in the Rockhoppers. Also, without James Brannigan [team suspension] and Rob Miller [injured reserve] the Aces couldn’t afford to fall behind early. Goals by Anthony Becker and Matt Tyree however forced Brooklyn to play catch up. Luckily for the Aces, speedster Tony Resendes, who filled in for Brannigan on the top line, scored two goals in the second, which cut the lead to 3-2 after a Tom Boudreau goal at 8:17 before his second tally at 11:20.

Logan Brittle, who had four points on the night, stretched the Rockhoppers lead to 4-2 in the third, which looked originally like it put the game away. But two goals by “Super” B.J. Kuper in three minutes during the later part of the third sent the game into overtime.

However, the Aces didn’t have any come from behind magic in them, as Chris Ferazzoli hit the back of the net for the game-winning tally, ending the Aces eight-game winning streak and putting the Rockhoppers only seven points behind the Aces for the EPHL lead.

Notes-

The Aces outshot New Jersey 44-24.

Aces goaltender Eddie Neville made only 19 saves on 24 shots.

Resendes had nine shots on goal.

The game’s attendance was 982.

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In 11 games this season, Brannigan also leads the league with 17 goals and 26 points.

Miller, who returned after two and half years away from the sport as a player, was thriving as well this season, with 10 points in 11 games.

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Knowing full well that New Jersey is the only team that has beaten them this season, Brooklyn isn’t about to take any chances against Nick Niedert and the Rockhoppers.

“This is going to be a real test,” said Aces coach Chris Firriolo after the team’s win last night. “I’d rather coach a one-goal game where you see a great effort from both sides than what happened tonight out there. When a game gets as sloppy as this one did, you don’t really know what to expect the next day.”

What the Aces can expect in tonight’s game is another quality effort from newly returned defenseman Mike Richards, who in spite of sitting out the third period due to fatigue last night, was a solid +4 with a shot on goal. The same goes for defenseman/forward Ian McLaughlin, who was also a +4, but also notched an assist. With Rob Miller possibly out for the game as well, it’s crucial that the Aces get a repeat performance from these two.

Another guy coming off a good game last night is Doug Hoffman, who is now second in scoring among EPHL defensemen with 14 points in 10 games. In spite of his great game last night however, where he lit the lamp twice and dished out two helpers, Hoffman, like his coach, knows the team has to continue to work hard if they want to keep on winning.

“We have to keep that same intensity and passion,” he said. “Games like this are rare, so we have to keep our composure and come out strong against New Jersey. They’ll be ready for us.”

Coming off a 6-5 win against Danbury on Thursday, New Jersey is beginning to establish themselves as the clear-cut second place team in the league. With a quality goaltender in Niedert and plenty of solid offensive players in Chris Ferazzoli, Kyle Bozoian and Drew Sanders to go along with the toughness of Teague Willits-Kelley, the Rockhoppers will indeed give the Aces a run for their money tonight.

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The cliché “The numbers never lie” couldn’t have been any truer in this one.

Powered by a seven-goal first period, Brooklyn and their top-flight offense dismantled a flustered Hudson Valley team en route to a stellar 11-3 win.

“We got up  on them quick and we didn’t want to embarrass them,” said Aces head coach Chris Firriolo. “It was a rough night for them and we wanted to play with some class and make sure we respected them and the game.”

Things started quiet enough for Brooklyn, but after a goal by leading scorer James Brannigan at 4:00, his 17th of the season, the offense was ignited and followed with two more tallies in the next 1:51 by C.J. Tozzo [9] and Chris Holmes [5], giving them a 3-0 lead.

“They had a bad game,” said Holmes. “We had a good one. The score reflected it. We absolutely killed them.”

Hudson Valley then managed to get back into the game at 10:30, following a John Geverd shorthanded marker, but Mike Christensen answered back for Brooklyn just 28 seconds later, making it a 4-1 game. 29 seconds after that, Kyle McCollaugh scored, to give all three members of the team’s BMT line a goal and put the Aces up 5-1.

The Bears attempted a comeback again at 9:55 as Geverd potted his second of the night to cut the Brooklyn lead to 5-2. Tony Resendes and B.J. Kuper had other things in mind however, scoring 48 seconds apart with less than four minutes remaining, stretching the lead to 7-2.

Much like the first period, the second started timidly, until Holmes lit the lamp for the second time at 6:42, stretching the Brooklyn lead to 8-2. Despite slowing down the offensive attack the rest of the period, the Aces got another goal off a Doug Hoffman shot from the point with 2:06 remaining that made it 9-2.

“Games like this are good, but we know we have more work to do,” said Hoffman. “We’ll be facing better teams and we have to be sharper in the future. As far as me, I’ve been on a little bit of a slide lately and this felt good.”

Just when things looked like they couldn’t get much better for Brooklyn, they did, after Hoffman scored again from the point at 6:39 of the third and gave the Aces a whopping 10-2 lead. The lead continued to grow later in the third, as a Chad Wilcox tally at 7:51, that made the enforcer look more like a sniper, continued the Aces reign of terror and gave them a nine-goal lead.

With half the period remaining, the Aces quieted down the offensive attack even more, feeling they had Hudson Valley’s number by then, but defeated the cellar-dwelling Bears 11-3 after a late period goal by Joey Grasso.

With the win, the Aces are now 10-1 for the season and are currently riding an eight-game winning-streak.

Impressed at the poise and consistency of his team, Firriolo is one happy man.

“These guys are working really hard right now,” he said. “It’s a long season, but I’m very happy.”

Notes-

Aces goaltender Eddie Neville made 23 saves on 26 shots.

According to Firriolo, Aces defenseman Rob Miller may miss tomorrow’s game due to injury.

Mike Thomson was a healthy scratch.

Aces goaltender Miro Recicar is day to day with a sprained ankle.

Check out the Aces fight page to watch both scraps that occurred during the game.

Photos by Ron Hatcher.

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At 9-1, the Aces have the league’s best offense, best defense and best duo in net. Aside from one hiccup against the Rockhoppers and a few slow starts, Brooklyn has been as perfect as you can be up to this point.

In order for the Hudson Valley Bears to be able to hold their own tonight, they’ll have to do a pair of things.

1- Shutdown the Aces BMT Line of James Brannigan, Kyle McCollaugh and C.J. Tozzo.- So far this season, Brooklyn has scored 61 goals. The Aces top line has been responsible for 30 of those tallies, so obviously keeping them off the scoresheet, something no team has really been able to do this season, will prove to be pivotal.

What is even scarier is the Aces offensive firepower as a team. Minus the production of their top line, Brooklyn would still have a better overall offense than Danbury [25 goals on the season] and would be extremely comparable to Hudson Valley [31 goals] and New Jersey [39 goals]. Simply put, the Aces have three lines that can give you nightmares. Nevertheless, the top line is the one that has to be stopped if Hudson Valley wants to stay in the game.

2- Make the Aces defense work hard- With Andrew Scampoli off playing in Holland, the Aces will be leaning heavily on the trio of Doug Hoffman, Rob Miller and Nick Grove. Ian McLaughlin, a converted forward has proved to be a solid d-man, but hasn’t been given enough ice-time to prove how solid he can be in the crunch. Mike Richards was activated off IR a week or so ago, but it’s unknown how much of a factor he’ll be. If Hudson Valley can make the Aces defensemen work hard in both ends and play physical, they may be able to get a few second chance opportunities that they wouldn’t have gotten otherwise.

If they can get that done, this is going to be a great game to watch. If not, expect another six-goal affair from Brooklyn that results in a ton of shots and even more penalty minutes.

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As always, you can listen directly here at: http://www.switchpod.com/users/patrickhickeyjr1/AcesVideo.mp4

Or you can download the file on to your I-Pod or I-Phone here:

http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=294739484

Or, if you’re feeling extra lazy on this rainy day, you can watch the file directly here!

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A few weeks ago, the Aces defense featured five defensemen, Dan Rohanna, Andrew Scampoli, Nick Grove, Doug Hoffman and Rob Miller, that could all perform extremely well on both ends of the ice.

Isn’t it funny how a few weeks can change things?

After trading then captain Rohanna to Hudson Valley and watching Scampoli leave the team in order to play in Holland last week, the Aces, while still having the sturdy and dependable Hoffman, Grove and Miller on the roster, will have to ask for more out of guys like Ian McLoughlin and Mike Richards, two players that haven’t been getting a ton of ice-time up to this point in the season.

Just coming back from injured reserve a few days ago after being placed there on Nov. 21st with an undisclosed injury, Richards won’t have the luxury of getting time to acclimate to his surroundings.

In spite of limited ice time and despite having only one assist in six games with Brooklyn this season, Richards has been solid, showing an ability to pinch in the offensive zone and make quality passes in the neutral zone. However, he hasn’t shown a huge amount of overall polish, due especially to a lack of a consistent defensive partner and barely any opportunities on the powerplay.

Could this now be the opportunity the youngster needs? A competent player on both ends in juniors with the Syracuse Jr. Crunch and the Cobourg Cougars a few years ago, Richards definitely has the ability to fill the void on the blueline for Brooklyn.

McLoughlin, however, won’t have things quite as easy and will have to continue to prove himself at a new position. Spending most of the season at forward, McLoughlin, who has a goal and an assist in seven games this season, hasn’t been on the blueline long enough this season for anyone to assess what he is capable of. However, his speed alone may be a good enough attribute to keep him out of trouble in his own end and may give him an opportunity to join the rush and become a factor in both ends.

Again, just like Richards, this may in fact be the opportunity they have been waiting for.

Nonetheless, if Richards and McLoughlin fail to pan out for Brooklyn, it’s possible the Aces may begin to put a forward at the point during the powerplay with more regularity, to make sure their defensemen don’t run out of gas. If all else fails, it is possible that Aces head coach Chris Firriolo, who has said on numerous occasions that he is consistently looking for upgrades at every position, may in fact go out and get himself the extra depth defenseman the team may need.

Photos by Patrick Hickey Jr.

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For the Brooklyn Aces, that person is Dan Barry.

Armed with an outgoing personality and a plethora of hockey knowledge, Barry may in fact be the team’s secret weapon, as the skates he’s sharpened and sticks he’s taped have been on the feet and hands of a Brooklyn Aces team that has a 9-1 record through their first 10 games.

Chatting with Aces Over Brooklyn during the team’s last homestand, Barry talks about how he joined the ranks of his profession and how tough it is to have one of the best seats in the house every night.

Aces Over Brooklyn- How did you get into managing equipment?

Dan Barry- I moved to New York in 2005. I was doing a lot of acting in the city at the time and I needed a second job, so I started working at the pro shop at Chelsea Piers. Then I hurt my knee; I pretty much had reconstructive knee surgery and when I came back, I started working at the rink full-time. It was then where I started to enjoy myself more in hockey than when I was on stage, so I started to get involved more. Eventually [Hudson Valley Bears forward] Tommy Westfall, who has been very instrumental in my career, told me about the league, which was really in the zygote stage at the time. He passed my name to [Aces then owner] Curt Russell, who passed it along to Chris Firriolo, who gave me a call in the summer. The rest is history.

AOB- So this is the first time that you’ve been the equipment manager for a pro team?

Barry- Yes. But working at Chelsea Piers really prepared me because of how talented the elite leagues are. They have some of the best mens leagues in the country with some of the best players and teams as well. St. Nick’s, for example is probably one of the oldest hockey clubs in the country. You have guys there from Boston College and Boston University too. Most nights I worked there were busy ones. It was great practice.

AOB- What did you do there?

Barry- I managed the pro shop. They had a wide selection of stuff there and I had to know a lot about the retail aspect of things, but I also sharpened skates, a lot of skate repair actually and basically everything that I have to do here. There were a lot of small things as well, like making sure the visiting teams were taken care of and that they had everything they needed in their locker room like ice and towels. I always made sure I was a good host.

AOB- I noticed after the team’s last home game that the guys screamed as soon as you came into the locker room; was that because of you?

Barry- [Laughing]It’s funny that you say that because as soon as I came in, the first thing I heard was “Take Monday off.” I wish I could get a reaction like that from the guys. In all seriousness though, I really have a good relationship with them. I know Eddie Neville for about a year and a half; he’s a great guy. The same goes for Miro Recicar. I know Nick Grove for about a year and a half also, but I didn’t get a chance to really get to know him until he joined the team. All of them are great guys though.

AOB- What’s your favorite part of being an equipment manager?

Barry- Watching the game. I know I can’t pass a guy the puck, but if I can help a guy while they’re on the ice in any way, I do it and it feels great every time. That means giving a guy a new stick if he breaks one or fixing something with his equipment as fast as I can. In order to do that though, you really have to be on top of your game and always know what’s going on. Any time you’re getting paid to be a part of a professional team in any sport is an extremely serious job.

AOB- Considering the fact that you get to see all the players equipment, have you seen anything out of the ordinary yet?

Barry- I think the biggest thing that people don’t know is how old some of the players equipment is. Some of these guys have things like shoulder pads for a really long time. I think Jesse Felten has had the same shoulder pads since Pee Wees. He’s jacked though, so I don’t think he needs that much protection. Overall though, I think that’s the case with a lot of the guys. They just want to wear something that is lightweight, comfortable and will protect them from a slash or the puck if it has to. I know a lot of players have their own rituals and things like that; I know Eddie Belfour used to sharpen only half the blade of his skates, but I haven’t seen anything like that yet. I’ll keep my eyes open though.

AOB- What’s your least favorite part of being equipment manager?

Barry- Probably getting up early. During game days, I’m here for the morning skate, which means I have to get up around seven and I’m out of here by about midnight if the game ends around 10:30.

AOB- Most of the players here have aspirations of moving up the ladder in professional hockey, do you?

Barry- My goal is to win the Stanley Cup. I don’t think the equipment manager gets his name on it, so I just want to win it. I been a hockey fan since I was little and a Devils fan since I was eight. I was at game seven in 2003 and watching those guys hold the cup above their heads was an amazing experience. I’d love to be on the bench watching that happen one day. Until then, I don’t even want to touch it or take a picture with it. Right now though, I’m happy in Brooklyn. This is a great franchise and I love the atmosphere and the guys here. I’m having a great time.

AOB-What is one thing you’d like to say about your job?

Barry- It’s tough. It’s one of those jobs that you never notice when a guy is doing his job well; they’ll never know who you are. But whenever you slip up, all eyes are on you and everyone will know who you are. That’s why you always have to know what’s going on.

Photos by Patrick Hickey Jr.

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Danbury head coach Dave MacIsaac received a two-game suspension and was also handed an undisclosed monetary fine for his part in the altercation.

MacIsaac is eligible to return to the Mad Hatters on Dec. 13 when they take on the Hudson Valley Bears.

No other players on either team were suspended or fined.

On Dec. 18, Danbury will take on Brooklyn for the first time since the incident.

Photo by Patrick Hickey Jr.

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Terms of the sale were not announced however.

Taking majority control over the team a few weeks before the season began from then owner Curt Russell, Friedman has been fulfilling his position with energy and passion.

Now, he has complete control over the EPHL’s top team.

“Being the big hockey fan that I am, when the opportunity came in my lap, I jumped all over it,” he said in an interview before the season began. One day, we got to talking and I told him [Russell] I really wanted to get involved in the league and he asked me to get involved here in Brooklyn. I thought he was kidding at first, but he was totally serious; I jumped all over it.”

Photo by Marty Bromberger.

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Through his first five games as a Brooklyn Ace, the speedy forward has seven points, giving the team a legitimate offensive threat on every single line and proving there’s a place for him in pro hockey.

Compiling quotes from his old junior coach, in addition to sharing the thoughts of Aces coach Chris Firriolo and those of my own, AcesOverBrooklyn.com attempts to shed some more light on the youngster’s game.

“He is the absolute, ultimate competitor. He plays tough, like a 6-foot guy. He wins the one-on-one battles. He is the purest, faster skater in the league. He can do it all. He plays defense on the penalty kill. He went through some growing pains his first year here. It was the first time he was coached, the first time he had to handle discipline. He grew up a lot the first year. He had to learn how to play defense; it’s not just about scoring goals, the typical things when we get a high school kid.”

Northern Cyclones head coach Bill Flanagan, HockeyJournal.com, Nov. 2007.

“Tony was dominant at both ends of the ice for us this year. Not only did he provide great offensive production, he was our best penalty killer. He gave our team the opportunity to win every night with his speed and tremendous determination. He had a tremendous impact on the great year we had.”

Northern Cyclones head coach Bill Flanagan, AtlanticHockey.org, April. 2007.

“He’s got a lot of speed. He plays with a lot of spunk as well. He came from juniors with a reputation of doing a lot of things on his own and being an individual. I don’t mean that in a negative way either, but here, however, he’s done nothing but buy into our system. Once he gets a little more comfortable here, I think you’re going to see him develop into a fine hockey player as well.”

Brooklyn Aces head coach Chris Firriolo. December 2008.

My thoughts: The guy has the speed and hands to be very succesful at higher levels. At 5′6 and 165 pounds, his size isn’t going to scare anyone, but very similar to Jesse Felten, Resendes is a lot stronger than he looks and is completely willing to go into the corners at full speed, to either help his teammates or to create offense. Because of that, I believe he is an intriguing player to watch and is one that should be able to contribute a point a game on offense the rest of the season.

Photo by the Northern Cyclones.

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For the season, Neville has a 4-1 record and a 2.07 GAA in five games with Brooklyn.

Photo by Patrick Hickey Jr.

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Proving he’s more than just an energy player, Thomson fit right on on the team’s second line with Mike Christensen and Jesse Felten when Chris Holmes was called up to Elmira for a game a week ago.

However, if that wasn’t enough to show what he means to the Aces, the 24-year-old has also recently drawn the praise of the Brooklyn coaching staff due to his hustle and snarl in corners and his willingness to be play team-first hockey.

“He’s done a really good job for us this season,” said Aces coach Chris Firriolo. “He works really hard and shoots the puck extremely well, but I think his biggest asset is the edge he plays with every night. He’s a very good hockey player and because of that, we’re anxious to see how he continues to develop as the season progresses.”

Chatting with Aces Over Brooklyn during the team’s last homestand, Thomson talks about his game and how he found his way to Brooklyn this season, too showing that he’s much more than a depth player on a first place team.

Aces Over Brooklyn- For the fans at home that don’t know much about your game, what is it that you bring to the ice every night?

Mike Thomson- I skate hard, but first and foremost, I’m a shooter. I get pucks on my stick and I take shots. That’s what I do.

AOB- Is there someone at the NHL level that you looked up to as a kid or that you try and emulate when you’re out there?

Thomson- Mike Modano.

AOB- Why is that?

Thomson- Because he’s a shooter [laughs]. He’s a big guy that has some speed and just let’s it rip whenever he has the opportunity. Like I said, that’s what I try and do on every shift.

AOB- A lot of the guys on the team have “Forrest Gump” types of stories when it comes to how they came to Brooklyn. Do you have one?

Thomson- I think so. I was playing in the ECHL with the Ontario Rain and I got released on the last day, roster day. C.J. Tozzo was there too with me and he got released the day before and was planning on coming here. I called him a week later and here I am today.

Photo by Patrick Hickey Jr.

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Like most of the season, Brooklyn received contributions from all three lines, as three point nights from Kyle McCullough [three assists] and James Brannigan [one goal, two assists] and two-point nights from B.J. Kuper, C.J. Tozzo and Mike Thomson fueled a come from behind win.

Brooklyn also had six other players in the game including, defensemen Nick Grove, Doug Hoffman and Rob Miller, register points in the game.

However, things didn’t start exactly the way the Aces would have liked after a Tom Boudreau goal 11:13 into the first on the powerplay gave New Jersey a 1-0 lead.

8:04 into the second however, Aces sniper James Brannigan found the back of the net and tied the game. A Kuper goal at 15:10 then gave Brooklyn the lead and a Tozzo Marker just 40 seconds into the third put them up by two. Jersey cut the lead to one just 47 seconds later after a Justin Todd goal, but another Brooklyn goal, this time by Mike Christensen, gave the Aces their two-goal lead back.

With the game then 4-2 in the third, Boudreau added his second goal of the night, but just five minutes later, Tozzo followed suit, putting the game away at 5-3. New Jersey then took goaltender Nick Niedert [36 saves] off the ice and attempted another comeback, but Kuper tallied with an empty net with 49 seconds remaining to ensure a 6-3 Aces win.

Notes-

Aces goaltender Miro Recicar made 32 saves.

Brooklyn went one for five on the powerplay.

Ian McLoughlin and Chad Wilcox were the only Aces without a shot on goal.

Aces forward Tony Resendes led the team with six shots on goal.

Defenseman Mike Richards made his return to the lineup after being placed on injured reserve on 11-21.

With Eddie Neville still in Elmira, the Aces signed goaltender Anthony Felice as an emergency backup. Spending time as an emergency backup with the Trenton Devils of the ECHL recently, Felice also participated in the Danbury Mad Hatters tryouts.

The attendance for the game was 673.

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If any team has the overall talent to catch the Aces in first place, the Rockhoppers definitely have the pieces in place. Coming off a pair of wins against the Hudson Valley Bears, it seems like the New Jersey offense is starting to come into it’s own. While they don’t have three lines that can produce as dominantly as the Aces, they have a handful of players in, Kyle Bozoian, the reigning EPHL player of the week, Chris Ferazzoli, Drew Sanders and Tom Boudreau, all who will do whatever it takes to get themselves on the scoresheet on any given night. Add in a quality goaltender like Nick Niedert [5-3], who seems to have bounced back after a pair of shaky starts and it’s easy to see that the Aces cannot afford to take the Rockhoppers for granted.

During the Aces first home game this season, that was exactly the case, as Niedert was stellar, making 60 saves in a 3-2 Rockhoppers win. After the game, it wasn’t difficult to see how frustrated the Aces were.

“We took this team for granted,” said Aces coach Chris Firriolo after the game. “We’re a very skilled team, but we played poorly tonight. When you take 62 shots on goal, you have to score more than two goals. We handled them easily in the preseason and I think the guys thought we were going to walk all over them. It’s not good enough. We have to be a team that finishes. It’s a problem.”

Since then, the Aces have addressed those concerns and made sure that New Jersey and the rest of the league know just how potent their offense can be, winning six games in a row, outscoring their opponents 41-15 in the process, including an 8-2 rout of New Jersey a few weeks ago.

With a week off and New Jersey playing last night against the Bears, the Aces may be the fresher team out there as well, but it may take a while to kick in. If that is the case, it’s in New Jersey’s best interest to get on the board early and then focus their attention on shutting down all three of the Aces forward lines, each one with a legitimate finisher that can light the lamp at any time. James Brannigan’s 14 goals still lead the EPHL and with Kyle McCollaugh and C.J. Tozzo, the Aces “BMT” line is always a serious threat.

With Chris Holmes back from a one-game stint with the Elmira Jackals of the ECHL, the team’s second line of Holmes, Mike Christensen and Jesse Felten, AKA “The Three Amigos” are back and business as well and will be a force to be reckoned with. The third line, which was primarily an energy line earlier in the season, with Aces captain and league penalty minutes leader Chad Wilcox and grinder Jerry Cardinale sharing time with “Super” B.J. Kuper and Mike Thomson, has now turned into an offensive force. Adding speedster Tony Resendes, who has quickly taken over full-time duties on the line, leaving Wilcox to get a spot shift with any three of the team’s lines, the Brooklyn offense has unparalleled depth and diversity.

The move has paid off as well, as Wilcox had two assists in his new role two games ago against the Hudson Valley Bears, while Resendes has six points in his first five games with the club.

Because of all of these intangibles, this game should be a hectic one from start to finish.

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Chatting with Aces Over Brooklyn before “Nick Fotiu Night” at Aviator Arena a few weeks ago, Fotiu talks about his life in hockey as both a player and coach.

Aces Over Brooklyn- When someone thinks of tough and gritty hockey players in New York in the 70s and 80s, your name frequently comes up. However, newer fans of the game may not know much about you. For them, can you tell us a bit about how you played the game?

Nick Fotiu- I was an aggressive player that used to get on the defensemen right away. I used to try and rock Madison Square Garden with a check every night I played there. I really tried to get the fans into the game. I loved getting them going and my teammates going.

AOB- Because of the Internet, many of your fights are still available for hockey fans to see today, which has kept your legend alive so to speak. How does that make you feel?

Fotiu- I wasn’t a huge penalty minute guy. I had a little over 1,300 in 13 years. I always made sure I stuck up for my teammates though. I did it whenever I could because I was a team player. It was a huge part of the game for me. It’s nice that people can still see that.

AOB- You’ve spent several seasons as a coach. How rewarding has that been?

Fotiu- I coached for 14 years in various levels and I’ve developed 31 players that have made it to the National Hockey League. It was a great experience.

AOB- Any names that fans at home right know?

Fotiu- Oh sure. Jonathan Cheechoo, Mikael Samuelsson, Vesa Toskala, Evgeni Nabakov, Mikka Kiprusoft, Mark Streit, Matt Bradley, Dan Boyle, Fedor Tyutin and Andy Sutton are just a few. There’s been a whole bunch of them.

AOB- Is there a player at the NHL level today that you feel best personifies what you did when you were on the ice?

Fotiu- Colton Orr.

AOB- You played for the Rangers when the Islanders rivalry was at it’s All-Time high. Was there a player on the Islanders that you couldn’t wait to get in a scrap with or lay a big hit on?

Fotiu- Not really. I actually really had a lot of respect for those guys. Bobby Nystrom and Clark Gillies especially were really tough players that you had to work your hardest against if you were going to be succesful. Actually, the team’s coach now, Scotty Gordon, I coached Nashville Tennessee.

AOB- What was it like to be a part of that rivalry?

Fotiu- It was really tough hockey. It was a war. A lot of hard-hitting and great goaltending. Every time the Islanders and Rangers played, it was like the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Photo by Patrick Hickey Jr.

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This week, I chit-chat with the EPHL’s leading assist man and one-third of the Aces “BMT” line, Kyle McCullough, who discusses what it’s like to play at Aviator Arena, how he found his way to the Aces and what expectations he’s set for himself this season.

Check it out!

As always, you can listen directly here at: http://media.switchpod.com/users/patrickhickeyjr1/AOB1126.mp3

Or you can download the file on to your I-Pod or I-Phone here:

http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=294739484

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However, no players have been directly named as of yet and will not be released until an appeals process is completed.

The game was a rough one from start to finish, but things soon fell apart, as the third period alone produced eight fighting majors [with Jesse Felten, B.J. Kuper, C.J. Tozzo and Chad Wilcox dropping the gloves for the Aces] and two game misconducts.

Things got so heated during the scuffle that Aces coach Chris Firriolo and Danbury bench boss Dave MacIsaac even became embroiled in a heated argument, with both leaning over their respective benches to make sure they were hearing each other correctly.

“It was an interesting game; one look at the scoresheet afterwards confirmed it” said Firriolo on the phone on Monday. “Things like this happen every once in a while. Sometimes we let our emotions get the best of us.”

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Nevertheless, in spite of his recent struggles, [which had him going scoreless over his past two games] after Mike Thomson, C.J. Tozzo and James Brannigan all came up empty-handed in the shootout last Saturday against Danbury, Firriolo looked down his bench and figured Felten was due.

Scoring the game-winning goal in the shootout to give the Aces their sixth consecutive victory soon after, the move obviously paid off.

Coming through in the clutch, Firriolo sees the moment as a turning point for the winger, who will be counted on as the season progresses.

“I wouldn’t say he was slumping before, he was just in a bit of a funk. It happens to everybody at one point in the season” he said. “During the shootout though, I looked down the bench and I knew he was a guy that could help us. I think that goal was a step in the right direction for him and a big confidence booster.”

One of the fastest players in the league, Felten’s game is all about speed. Nonetheless, his passion and enthusiasm is the corners and on the penalty kill this season have drawn rave-reviews from his coach.

Drawing comparisons to players the likes of Jason Blake and Brian Gionta in his short tenure as an Ace, he’s always noticeable and is never without a spark, even when Felten is off his game.

That’s one reason why Firriolo isn’t worried about the speedster’s production.

“He works so hard on the ice,” Firriolo said. “A guy his size isn’t supposed to be as strong as he is in the corners and every night, he surprises me. Every night, regardless of if he scores or not, the effort is always there and it’s always contagious. It’s just a matter of time until things start to go his way more often.”

Already one of the top forwards in the league, Firriolo sees Felten as something truly special and doesn’t feel that his play over the team’s first nine games is even close to being indicative of his true skill.

“I think he can be one of the most dominant forwards in this league,” Firriolo said. “With his speed, energy and talent, I think that as the season goes on, people are going to see a much different player out there. I think he has the power to take over a game if he wants to.”

Notes-

In other news, according to the team’s official website, Aces goaltender Eddie Neville has been called up the the Elmira Jackals of the ECHL [the AA affiliate of the Ottawa Senators]. In five games with Brooklyn this season, Neville has a 4-1 record with 2.07 GAA. He will be in the lineup for the Jackals when they take on the Florida Everblades on Wednesday.

Also, it appears that Aces defenseman Andrew Scampoli is headed to Holland. According to a message board posting on IntotheBoards.net, Scampoli, the team’s second leading-scorer among defensemen is on his way abroad, but may return to the team in a few months. The message was soon confirmed by someone saying they were Scampoli, who had nothing but good things to say about the organization, but was eager to prove himself in Europe.

“From my conversations with key people in the Aces organization, when I come back in late February, I believe I will have an opportunity to try and get my spot back, and I hope that is the case.”

You can view the board here: http://intotheboards.net/vbforums/showthread.php?t=21735

Photos by Ron Hatcher and Patrick Hickey Jr.

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The bigger question however is will the team’s dominate “Three Amigos,” line of Holmes, Jesse Felten and Mike Christensen, be reunited for the team’s next game on Saturday against the second-place Rockhoppers?

“We knew he was going up for just one game and then he was going to come back,” said Aces coach Chris Firriolo via telephone last night. “Now that he’s back, I have no reason to break up that line.”

Nevertheless, Firriolo understands that the way his team is playing offensively, any one of his forwards can get called up at any time. Considering that, he’s prepared to keep his team ahead of the curve by looking for the best players avaiable.

“He [Holmes] could be going back up there next week or it could be someone else,” he said. “We have a really good working relationship with Robbie Nichols, the General Manager of the Jackals and several guys are going to have an opportunity to play over there. Because of that, I’m on the phone every day making sure I always know who is available so I can always upgrade if we lose someone big.”

Aces goaltender Miro Recicar is also expected back, as Eric Galliond’s short trip to Brooklyn was only to backup Eddie Neville. However, even with Recicar’s imminent return, Firriolo believes that both of his goaltenders can and will see time in Elmira this season as well.

“The callup wasn’t because anyone one of our guys is better than the other. It was just that Miro was ready to go that night in Danbury and they needed someone as a backup that was ready,” he said. “I think they’re going to call Eddie up there to play on Wednesday or Friday night. If that happens, we’d get Miro back, but overall, both of them have played great for us this season and they deserve the opportunity.”

Unlike Galliond however, the Aces other signee, Nate Bostic, is expected to see ice time in the near future with the team.

“He stepped right in and did a good job,” said Firriolo. “I see him as a good defensive player, very similar to [B.J.] Kuper. He’s going to get a chance. He works really hard, does a lot of things well and is very responsible.”

In other news, my Islanders site, TheDriveForFive.com, has been nominated for Islanders blog of the year on YesIslanders.com. However, in order to win, I need votes from you, my readers! If you wish to support me in my quest to become an award-winning blogger, just click the following link and then register [They won't spam you, I promise]. It’s easy!

Thanks in advance!

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After a few games this season, the Aces realized they needed another puck moving defenseman to compliment Doug Hoffman, Rob Miller and Nick Grove if they were going to continue to dominate the rest of the EPHL on both ends of the ice. Soon enough, Andrew Scampoli was brought in from Danbury and the Aces haven’t lost a game since. During his short time with the team, Scampoli has been everything the team could have asked for and is currently tied for the league lead in goals by a defenseman with three and third in points with eight. Speaking with the Aces defenseman after his first game with the team on November 14 against the Hudson Valley Bears, Scampoli talks about his game and his new team.

Aces Over Brooklyn- How do you like Brooklyn so far?

Andrew Scampoli- I’m really enjoying it because I can join the rush and the offense here. I was a forward my entire life and last year I got an opportunity to play defense and I really liked it, but I still really enjoy joining the rush and creating on offense. It’s something that I still feel I can do and I know I can still produce. Plus, our coach [Chris Firriolo] is really letting loose of the reins and he let’s us take chances if we see an opportunity. At the same time though, we’re asked to play defense and be responsible. Because of that, it’s been fun so far.

AOB- Was it hard being traded this early in the season?

Scampoli- I don’t know how it happened, if it was a three-team deal or something, but I’m here and I’m ready to play. I’m happy about it in a way because I’m closer to home now.

AOB- Where do you come from?

Scampoli- Islip, Long Island.

AOB- Big Islander fan?

Scampoli- Yes.

AOB- Is there a player at the NHL level that you like a lot or you try and emulate?

Scampoli- I really like Alexander Ovechkin. He can shoot, skate and hit. He’s just an amazing player. Right now though, I been watching a lot of defensemen and I like Adrian Aucoin’s game, especially when he was on the Islanders.

AOB- What do you like about this team considering it was your first game with them?

Scampoli- I really like our drive and our athleticism. We have great conditioning and a strong desire to win also. They have a good team out there [Hudson Valley] and we decided after we got down that we had to get back to work and we started to come back. It says a lot about us.

Photo by PeakHockey.com

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Nevertheless, even on an “off” night offensively, the Aces still got a more than quality performance from Eddie Neville, who made 34 saves in a 3-2 Aces shootout victory over the Danbury Mad Hatters.

In spite of Neville’s performance however, Danbury goaltender Derek MacIntyre was the real star of the game, stopping 54 of 56 shots, effectively keeping his team above water against the leagues top offense.

Brooklyn jumped out to an early 1-0 lead off a Rob Miller powerplay goal, but Danbury leading scorer Igor Karlov answered back 5:02 later with a powerplay marker of his own, tying the score at 1-1. The BMT line of James Brannigan, Kyle McCollaugh and C.J. Tozzo came through in the second, as Brannigan notched his 15th goal of the season, giving Brooklyn a 2-1 lead.

The lead didn’t last long however, as a K.C. Caudill less than three minutes in the third tied the game at 2-2.

Things then began to get a bit feisty, as Jesse Felten, Tozzo, B.J. Kuper, Chad Wilcox and Brannigan all ended up in the penalty box for fisticuffs in third. Nonetheless, in spite of all the jabs and haymakers, neither Brooklyn or Danbury could light the lamp and the game went into overtime.

After 20 minutes and only three combined shots in the OT period, the game went into a shootout where Felten lit the lamp after Mike Thomson, Brannigan and Tozzo were stopped by MacIntyre, giving the Aces their sixth win in a row.

Notes-

Brooklyn is now 8-1 for the season and eight points ahead of the second-place NewJersey Rockhoppers.

Brooklyn went one for seven on the powerplay and had 47 PIM.

Attendance: 1220

Photo by Marty Bromberger.

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One part of the Aces highly successful second line of Mike Christensen and Jesse Felten, Holmes had four goals and six assists in eight games in Brooklyn this season. A point a game player last season in the MAHL, Holmes rejoins the Jackals, a team he played 10 games with last season.

Leading the EPHL in wins, despite sharing goaltending duties with Eddie Neville, Recicar was solid in Brooklyn, going 4-0 with a 3.50 GAA this season.

This will be his first taste of the ECHL.

To counteract these losses, the Aces have signed forward Nate Bostic, who has gone scoreless in nine games with season with the New Mexico Scorpions and Richmond Renegades of the CHL & SPHL and goaltender Eric Galliond, who looks to be the backup goaltender behind the surging Neville.

Photos by Ron Hatcher.

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With all three lines firing on all cylinders and even spot shifters like Ian McLoughlin and captain Chad Wilcox playing their best hockey all season, Brooklyn’s offense alone is enough to skate the daylights out of any team that shares the ice with them.

Unlike the Aces however, Danbury has struggled offensively this season and have only two players averaging over a point a game, compared to Brooklyn’s 11. That wasn’t originally supposed to be the case though, as Danbury possessed former NHLer Billy Tibbetts, who was not only projected to lead the team and league offensively, but was going to serve as a constant reminder to the youngsters as a player that knew what it took to get to higher levels.

According to an article in The Danbury News-Times however, the 34-year-old was suspended for an unspecified violation of team rules on 11-20 after just three games and left the team on his own accord soon after. This simply put, just put a damper on the Mad Hatter’s season, forcing them to quickly find a new identity, this time forged on grit and team play, rather than offensive superiority.

With captain Mike Payne [who handily defeated former Ace Jerry Cardinale in a scrap a week ago at Aviator], Hank Carisio, Mykul Haun and Obi Aduba, it’s obvious that the Mad Hatters have the grit to compliment their offensive players like Igor Karlov and Dan Hickman, but can they put it together against the Aces? The last time these two teams played, Danbury could not beat Aces goaltender Eddie Neville [who looks to get the start, especially considering the flip-flopping him and Miro Recicar have gone in net for most of the season] and went 1 for 11 on the powerplay. If they want to change their fortunes this time around, playing well on special teams is a good start.

However, if players the likes of Tony Resendes, B.J. Kuper and Mike Thomson can continue to play the way they played on Wednesday and the rest of the team still maintains the killer instinct they’ve had all season, Brooklyn will not have a problem producing offensively against either of Danbury’s goaltenders, Derek MacIntyre [4.28 GAA, 2-2 .871 SP] or Jeff Hill [4.55 GAA, 0-2, .836 SP].

Notes-

In addition to having the leagues top three scoring forwards, the Aces also possess the league’s four of the top six offensive defensemen in Doug Hoffman, Andrew Scampoli, Nick Grove and Rob Miller.

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However, despite possessing the league’s best overall defense, that features talented two-way defensemen such as Rob Miller, Nick Grove, Andrew Scampoli and Doug Hoffman, in addition to the rock-solid goaltender combo of Eddie Neville and Miro Recicar, the Aces offense has been the real story of their magical season.

Nonetheless, while the Aces have gotten offense from a variety of sources, the team’s first line, aptly tabbed “The BMT Line,” of James Brannigan, Kyle McCollaugh and C.J. Tozzo, have left their opponents in pieces, ranking first, second and third in team and league scoring.

“They really work well together,” said Aces head coach Chris Firriolo. “They are definitely a top line in this league, for sure.”

Leading the league in both goals and points, Brannigan has quickly established himself as the team’s and league’s first legitimate sniper. Despite spending time at Colorado College as a full-scholarship athlete and the ECHL over the past few years, Brannigan was left in the shuffle and was used in an energy role, rather than one that could make use of his excellent shot and puck handling skills. Brannigan has come full circle in the EPHL this season however, scoring a goal in every game the team has played, proving he’s capable of much more than he’s produced in the past.

“We work really well together,” said the 24-year-old Brannigan, a Dyker Heights native, after scoring his first pro hat trick on November 15. “It’s been a lot of fun playing with them.”

While Brannigan is the noted sniper on the line, McCollaugh is looked at as the passer. Leading the league in assists, the playmaker has dazzled with several beautiful passes to his respective linemates this season, many of which have come in clutch situations. He’s also shown a penchant for hitting the back of the net as well, evidenced by his first pro hat trick on November 21 against the New Jersey Rockhoppers.

Despite possessing tremendous all-around skill like his aforementioned linemate, McCollaugh wasn’t exactly a superstar at other levels. A point a game player in college with Dartmouth, the winger scored only 10 goals in 72 games in IHL’s Prairie Thunder last season.

In spite of that, with Brannigan and Tozzo on the ice with him, McCollaugh feels like he can accomplish anything.

“We gelled together from the get go.” said McCollaugh. “We know where each other is on the ice at all times. I’ve never had that comfort level with anyone this quickly. It’s amazing.”

Scoring 100 points as a teenager in junior-A hockey a few seasons ago, Tozzo was known for a solid all-around game and more than admirable leadership qualities. However, in D1 Niagara and D3 Plattsburgh, Tozzo was used as more of a role player and despite several flashes of brilliance, was never given an opportunity to shine.

In Brooklyn, Tozzo has flourished on both ends of the ice and like his linemates, has proved that he can can thrive with more power and responsibility on the ice. He’s also shown plenty of the same leadership qualities he’s exhibited in the past as well as grit, evidenced by two fighting majors against him this season.

Getting the first chance at the professional level with the proverbial chains off, Tozzo has quickly made a name for himself as one of the league’s elite centers.

“My college career was up and down,” said Tozzo. “It feels good now to produce offensively and see my name on the scoresheet every night.”

In spite of their early season success however, the trio knows that can’t stop dominating just yet either.

“We work really hard,” said McCollaugh. “Even in practice. We just bury the puck.”

Photos by Marty Bromberger and Ron Hatcher.

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Led by goaltender Miro Reciciar’s 22 saves and a five point night from Aces speedy newbie Tony Resendes, the Aces coasted to a 7-2 win over the Hudson Valley Bears.

Despite the emergence of Resendes and another solid performance from Recicar [who has responded marvelously after giving up six goals a few weeks ago against the Bears] the Aces got offense from all three lines, as tallies by James Brannigan, B.J. Kuper, Mike Christensen and Mike “shooter” Thomson and two assist nights from Chris Holmes and team captain and enforcer Chad Wilcox fueled a 51 shot performance and another dominating win.

Aggressive to boot, Wilcox [on two occasions] and Brannigan tussled with the scrappy Joe Pele, giving the Hudson Valley forward three fighting majors for the game and set an aggressive tone. Jumping out to an early 1-0 lead on an Andrew Scampoli powerplay marker, the Aces were up 3-0 before the Bears decided to attempt a comeback.

That’s when former Ace Jerry Cardinale scored his first goal of the season, cutting the lead to 3-1. Hudson Valley defenseman Dan Malloy also had two points, notching a goal of his own and assisting on Cardinale’s goal, but that didn’t come until the third period when the score was already 7-1.

Notes-

Hudson Valley goaltender Matt Trusz gave up seven goals on 45 shots and was relieved of his duties late in the third by Vincent Januska, who stopped all six shots he faced.

So far this season, the Bears have used five goaltenders in Trusz, Januska, Jim Pellegrino, Len DiCostanzo , and Ryan Hull.

7-1 for the season, the Aces have outscored their opponents 52-23 and are eight points ahead of the second place New Jersey Rockhoppers, who are 3-3 through six games. The Aces also lead the league in powerplay goals with 17 and have two shorthanded goals and 289 penalty minutes under their belts.

Former Aces captain Dan Rohanna was not in the lineup for Hudson Valley last night and his status is still currently unknown.

Photo by Marty Bromberger.

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Despite picking up former Aces Jerry Cardinale and Dan Rohanna [who has yet to appear in a game for the team and may be still nursing a hand injury he suffered two weeks ago in a fight with Joe Pelle. However, at this time, his current status is unknown.] last week, the Bears [1-4] were defeated 9-2 by Brooklyn in their last game on Saturday. In spite of possessing a handful of capable offensive players in Chris Seifert [4 goals & 5 assists, good for 4th in the EPHL in scoring], former Ace Scott Estey [4 goals & 4 assists good for 6th in the EPHL in scoring] Scott Horvath [1 goal & 7 assists] and Dan Malloy, the Bears have looked out of sync on the ice this season.

Hudson Valley’s defense, which includes 6’5 behemoth Gabe Yeung, has had their problems as well, as they have yet to prove their shutdown ability. Because of this, the Bears goaltending trio of Jim Pelligrino, Len DiCostanzo and Ryan Hull have yet to show their real ability on the ice and have instead been left befuddled with wanton scoring opportunities all season.

The way the Aces offense and defense has played over their past four games, outscoring their opponents 31-11, it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to tell that Brooklyn should be in great shape if they can continue to play their game. In spite of getting great goaltending from Eddie Neville and consistent play from their defense, the offensive firepower the team has is truly the thing the coaching staff and fans have been most thankful for this season.

However, much the case with the team earlier in the season, the Aces will need a 60-minute effort in order to dominate and cannot get themselves into penalty trouble. All three lines have the potential to contribute offensively and it’s important that they get started early, which would force an already thin Hudson Valley defense to not take a shift off all night. As the Aces have proven on multiple occasions this season, they have unparalleled depth on both their forward lines and defense and if the cinergy and gelling can continue to take place tonight, they should be able to put up big time offensive numbers against whoever is in between the pipes for the Bears.

Photo by Marty Bromberger.

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Check it out!

As always, you can listen directly here at: http://media.switchpod.com/users/patrickhickeyjr1/AOB1126.mp3

Or you can download the file on to your I-Pod or I-Phone here:

http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=294739484

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One look at 5′9, 175- pound Jerry Cardinale and it’s easy to see he’s far from a heavyweight enforcer. As a matter of fact, the 21-year-old looks like an extra in a mafia movie, with a baby face and a slick smile. Looks can be deceiving though, as the Bensonhurst-native possesses a pair of fleet feet and good puck handling skills to compliment an extremely short fuse. Amassing penalty 21 minutes in five games so far this season, he’s already begun to establish himself as one of the top hybrid-agitators in the EPHL, proving his lack of size is far from a weakness on the ice. Chatting with Aces Over Brooklyn, Cardinale discusses his game and talks about how he developed his on the ice persona.

Aces Over Brooklyn: Watching you in practice, someone could get the complete opposite idea of your ability. You’re not like the average agitator. You skate hard both ways, you can stick handle and you have a quality shot. In spite of all of this, when you’re on the ice during a game, you’re like a Tasmanian devil. How did you develop a game like this?

Jerry Cardinale: When I grew up, I was always fighting, it’s just a part of me and my game. But you’re right; I think I have the skill to play on a first or second line, but I’m not going to get into that. I’m on the third line and my role on this team right now is to be a grinder and a checker. If I can get some pucks in the nets, that’s great, but we’re the checking line. It’s my job to run around and smash people, take advantage of a chance here and there and even get in a scrap if I have to. I sit on the bench and let that rage build for when I get a shift. I got a bit of a short temper on me. I was just born like that. But again, I feel I have the skill to skate with any first or second line player in this league. I’ve always fought though and for them to put me in that role, is hurting my ice-time. I’m a bit sour about that because I love scoring goals.

AOB: So if you had a choice, you’d rather not fight?

Cardinale: Truthfully, I don’t like fighting all the time. I like it, but not to the point where I have to do it every game, two times a game. It’s not me. If I have to do it, it’s not a problem, but I’d rather be putting pucks in the net.

AOB: That brings up a good point. Last season in the MAHL, you scored 11 goals, proving you’re more than just a fighter. You also had 56 penalty minutes last season in 27 games and those numbers aren’t indicative of a true enforcer either. Is that the role you prefer to have?

Cardinale: You have to understand too, I’m not a minor penalty taker. I don’t hook people and I don’t slash people. About 80 percent of those penalty minutes [last season] were from fights. Those aren’t two minute, four minute or ten minute penalties. Again, I don’t take minor penalties; that’s just putting the team down and that’s not my style. I try and make sure that never happens.

AOB: On the ice, you’re always looking for the big hit as well. What’s going on in your head during a game? What’s that mindset like?

Cardinale: My game first is defense. I was taught a long time ago to take care of things in your own zone and you’ll get rewarded. Working hard and playing physical in your own end is a very big part of that.

AOB: Anyone that’s been to Aviator this season has noticed you have a huge fan following. Do you know these people? They all adorned in your t-shirts and scream your name when you’re on the ice. How does that feel?

Cardinale: Those are all kids I grew up with, sprinkled in with some family members. That’s pretty much my entire neighborhood from Avenue S. I didn’t know about the T-shirts until they were made and it’s really cool. It feels really good to know that I have all my friends and family close to me and they can show their support by coming out and watching me play. I love that. That’s what it’s all about. I feel like I belong here.

AOB: What do you think of the team so far?

Cardinale: I think we’re stacked. You go from top to bottom and we have snipers on every single line. When a guy like me is on the third line, you know we’re stacked. Our coach recruited well and it’s hard to defend against us because we’re all over the place.

AOB: For the fans at home that don’t know much about you, is that a player in the NHL that you think you’re comparable to?

Cardinale: I’ve heard a few times people say that I’m comparable to Sean Avery, but I don’t like that because he’s a big mouth. He’s says a lot of bad things, personal things and tries to get under people’s skin. I don’t think I’m like that. If I say I’m going to do something out there, it’s going to get done. It’s not my job to talk **** about people’s families; it’s my job to finish my hits and put the puck in the net. If someone messes with one of my teammates, I’m there for them. Me and him are completely different players. As a matter of fact, I’d love to fight him.

AOB: That’s great and that’s totally going in the article. One last thing about fighting though. So far this season, you’ve shown a willingness to drop the gloves with anyone. Would that also be the case though if they guy was close to a foot taller than you and had 60-80 pounds on you as well?

Cardinale: Without a doubt. It’s happened plenty of times before. Again, I’m not trying to make this a two a night thing against heavyweights because I feel I don’t have to do that and I have the skill out there to do more than that. My gloves dropping should only be to defend myself or my teammates.

Photos by Patrick Hickey Jr. and Ron Hatcher.

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Offensive domination.

Scoring eight unanswered goals to start the game, the Aces ran all over the Bears and for the fourth game in a row, they hit the back of the net at least seven times. Like most of the season, the Aces offense came from a variety of sources, as Chris Holmes, C.J. Tozzo and James Brannigan netted two goals apiece, while Mike “shooter” Thomson, Kyle McCullough and B.J. Kuper had tallies of their own. McCullough also had two assists on the night, giving him 11 on the season for the league lead.

Like their last three games, the Aces defense and goaltending was extremely solid as well, with backup goaltender Miro Recicar making 24 saves for his third win of the season.

Dan Malloy and Phil Esposito scored for the Bears in the second period.

Now 6-1 through their first seven games, the Aces are eight points ahead of the second place New Jersey Rockhoppers.

Notes-

The Bears only used 12 skaters in the game, four defensemen and eight forwards, including former Ace Jerry Cardinale. Former Aces captain Dan Rohanna was not in the lineup for Hudson Valley.

Despite losing both Cardinale and Rohanna a few days ago, the Aces haven’t missed a beat and have gone 2-0, scoring 17 goals in the process.

In addition, the team feels like they’ll continue their winning ways without the two.

“We’re all so close that we know we can’t make excuses; we have to move on,” said forward Jesse Felten after the last home game on Friday. “They are both great guys and we’ll miss them, but we’re really starting to come together right now and we’re focused on doing our jobs on the ice.”

The Aces have six players in the top 10 in league scoring and eight in the top 15. The Aces have outscored their opponents 45-21 this season. Both Aces goaltenders, Eddie Neville and Recicar are tied for the league lead in wins with three and are first and second in GAA.

Chad Wilcox is currently leading the EPHL in penalty minutes with 57.

The attendance for last night’s game was 396.

The Aces next game will be against Hudson Valley at the Ice Time Sports Complex on November 26.

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After speaking to various members of the team and the Aces coach Chris Firriolo yesterday, I got a feeling those rosters moves were made for a variety of reasons:

1- On any other team in this league, Cardinale gets a regular shift, as to the Aces where he and new captain Chad Wilcox were only getting spot shifted.

2- The Aces team is stacked from top to bottom and a guy like Cardinale could really help the Bears round out their top two lines or be a extremely solid grinder on the third.

3- Dan Rohanna, while being one of the best defenseman in this league, plays a very similar game to Doug Hoffman, except the always smiling Aces defenseman doesn’t possess Rohanna’s toughness. With the Aces already possessing the Derek Boogaard of the EPHL in Chad Wilcox and two other experiences and capable defensemen in Nick Grove and Rob Miller, Rohanna’s immense talent would be to much better use somewhere else.

4- With Rohanna and Cardinale out of the fold, a young speedster like Tony Resendes can come in and now give the Aces three lines that can contribute offensively every single night, which also allows Firriolo to play more of the high intensity, puck pursuit game that he wanted to.

5- With that being said, hockey today is all about league parity. It’s in the best interest of the league right now to have four strong teams that battle for a playoff spot all season long. The way the league was going before, it looked like [and still does] that Brooklyn is light years ahead of the competition. However, in my opinion, rather than giving away grit and size like the Aces did, every team in this league needs to go and find themselves a good goaltender. Aside from the Aces Eddie Neville, pretty much every other goaltender has had a pair of sloppy games already. In any league, goaltending is key and so far this season, it seems that Brooklyn is the only team in the league that truly understands that.

In spite of all of that however, tonight’s game with Hudson Valley should be a battle of offenses as the BMT line of James Brannigan, Kyle McCollaugh and C.J. Tozzo will see if they can keep the fire burning a bit longer, while Bears stars Chris Seifert and Scott Estey, who are fourth and sixth in league scoring respectively, will try and keep pace with Brooklyn and pot a few of their own.

Things even have the potential to get hairy, Cardinale, who isn’t scared to fight anyone, may look to make a statement by taking on Wilcox. Look for Rohanna to log plenty of ice-time tonight as well, as he quickly becomes the Bears new number one defenseman.

Site News:

Be sure to check out the site’s new fight page, located on the page index sidebar for some great videos that will be updated during the season.

Also, after tabbing the Brannigan, McCollaugh and Tozzo line, the BMT line last week, I got the itch to do the same with the second line of Chris Holmes, Mike Christensen and Jesse Felten. Talking to Christensen and Felten last night, I found out the trio are all rooming together as well. Christensen also told me he thinks of his line as something like the “Coneheads” line in the hockey classic “Miracle,” because they’re always clowning around off the ice. That alone has given giving me a few ideas for a name of their line, which will be the subject of a new poll this week on the site. If you have any ideas for the name of the Aces second line that aren’t mentioned there, please feel free to e-mail me as well.

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Why exactly? Three letters explain it all: B…M…T.

Combining for 12 points on the night, the Aces “BMT line” of James Brannigan, Kyle McCollaugh and and C.J. Tozzo, proved the New Jersey goaltender’s game of the year performance two weeks ago was simply a mirage, shredding both Niedert and the Rockhoppers defense to bits in a more than convincing 8-2 win.

“These guys are on fire right now,” said Aces coach Chris Firriolo. “They’re definitely a top line in this league.”

After a short-feeling out process by both team’s that included several solid saves by Niedert and Brooklyn goaltender Eddie Neville, McCollaugh, the team’s leading assist man, proved he could do a lot more than pass, scoring on a surreptitious one-timer after a beautiful backhand pass from behind the net from Aces leading scorer Brannigan at 11:31, giving them a 1-0 lead.

However, the lead didn’t last very long. At 14:21 Russell Spence got the Rockhoppers back in the game, scoring after a New Jersey penalty had expired, tying the game at 1-1. The resilient Aces wasted no time getting back in the game, as McCollaugh scored his second of the night on a beautiful deflection after a Tozzo shot from the point at 16:34 that gave Brooklyn a 2-1 lead going into the second period.

“I’ve been working hard,” said McCollaugh. “The assists have been coming, but I know I can shoot too.”

Holding down a one-goal lead early in the second, Brannigan, McCollaugh and Tozzo struck again at 6:40 after McCollaugh notched his third goal of the night and his first hat-trick as a pro. With the Aces offense beginning to take control, Neville, who had 39 saves on the night, got stronger in net as well, stopping several would-be scoring opportunities.

“They outplayed us in the first period,” Firriolo said. “Eddie Neville kept us in this game and to me, he’s the star of this game. If it wasn’t for him, I think the outcome could have been much different.”

Up 3-1 going into the third, Brannigan and his linemates continued to shine, as JB scored two goals through the first 51 seconds of the final period. At 2:45, Tozzo got jealous of his linemates and scored his first goal of the night, shorthanded no less, on an impressive one-handed deke move that put Brooklyn up 6-1. The Aces weren’t done hitting the back of the net however, as Mike Christensen scored on the powerplay at 10:47 to give the Aces their third consecutive game with seven goals under their belt. Mike Thomson took it one step further at 11:46, as he slipped a backhand past Niedert, making it a seven-goal game.

Chad Wilcox and Tozzo both got in scraps with New Jersey soon after, as the reality of an embarrassing loss began to settle in. However, the fisticuffs did provide New Jersey with a temporary lift. At 13:45, a Drew Sanders goal cut the Brooklyn lead to 8-2, but that was all the offense the Rockhoppers could muster.

“I feel like from top to bottom, this team has played really well,” said Tozzo. “We work really hard in practice and that has turned into success on the ice during games.”

Now 5-1 through their first six games this season, the Aces are sitting pretty atop the EPHL standings, possessing the leagues best offense and goaltender. Confident in the direction they’re going this season, Brooklyn feels they are beginning to understand what it takes to dominate.

“The offensive production is one thing, but everyone is contributing,” said Tozzo. “From Wilcox beating up guys and B.J Kuper killing penalties. We’re really working together now.”

Notes-

Before the game, Aces Over Brooklyn got word that agitator and Bensonhurst-native Jerry Cardinale was waived by the team and picked up by the Hudson Valley Bears. The roster moves didn’t end there however, as team captain Dan Rohanna was traded to Hudson Valley as well. 20-year-old forward Tony Resendes joined the team from the SPHL last night and notched an assist on Tozzo’s shorthanded tally.

With Rohanna’s departure, Wilcox is now the Aces team captain.

Video-

C.J. Tozzo and Chad Wilcox vs New Jersey

Photos by Ron Hatcher. Video by Patrick Hickey Jr.

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Well, every goalie except Nick Niedert that is.

The last time the Rockhoppers were in town on November 8th, the Aces took 62 shots on the New Jersey goaltender and lost 3-2 after the team’s powerplay ended up going 2 for 13.

Since then, Brooklyn has lit the lamp 14 times in their past two games and have come full circle as a team. After winning 7-6 over the Hudson Valley Bears last Friday, despite playing their worst defensively all year, the Aces defeated Danbury 7-1 in their best overall performance of the young season.

With Aces goaltender Eddie Neville and the Aces defense core playing their best hockey of the season as well, Brooklyn head coach Chris Firriolo saw the game as a step in the right direction.

“We did the things we had to do in order to be succesful out there,” he said after the game. “I know it’s a long season, but after five games, you can’t ask for much better than 4-1.”

The only question is, what Brooklyn team shows up on Friday?

Defeating the Bears 10-4 in their last game on November 14, the Rockhoppers have plenty of momentum of their own and with players the likes of Kyle Bozoian, Justin Todd, Drew Sanders and Russell Spence all with six points in just three games, the Rockhoppers offense can fight fire with the Aces “BMT line” of James Brannigan Kyle McCollaugh and C.J. Tozzo.

After the team’s last loss against New Jersey however, the Aces felt quite different, believing they came out flat and failed to put a team away they beat twice during the preseason.

With both teams riding two-game winning streaks and obviously not liking each other very much, this game should be an entertaining one.

“We lost this game because we made mistakes. We know we’re better than this team,” Aces assistant captain Chad Wilcox said. “A bunch of us didn’t pick our spots and it ended up costing us. We know we’re better than these guys. We beat them two times before.”

Notes- Former Ranger Nick Fotiu, who scored 62 goals and amassed over 1300 PIM in 646 games played in the NHL from 1976-1989, will be on hand for the game and will also serve as the team’s assistant coach for the contest. He’ll also sign autographs and take pictures with fans after the game.

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However, it wasn’t until a few weeks ago, that he decided to come strut his stuff in the EPHL.

Joining the team during the last week of training camp and just a few days before the season began, the 6′4, 210-pound defenseman has a renewed sense of vigor and is paying big dividends for the Aces.

“I took a few years off; I kind of came out of retirement,” Hoffman said. “I lost that desire for a while, but I was still skating every day. Now, I got that itch back and I’m ready to play and produce for this team. I was down South playing with a team down there and heard about what was going on here, so I figured I’d give this a shot.”

Possessing a big shot from the point and more than solid skating and passing skills, Hoffman, who grew up on the rinks of Long Island idolizing Brian Leetch, may remind hockey fans of Islanders defenseman Mark Streit, who too is known more for his offense, but is far from a slouch in his own end. Regardless of who you think Hoffman resembles the most on the ice however, he knows exactly why he’s out there.

He also expects quite a lot from himself this season.

“I love to join the offense,” he said. “I like to make plays. I like to shoot the puck a lot. That’s my thing. It comes naturally.

“I think I can be on the top of the list in this league when it comes to defensemen. That’s what I expect from myself this season.”

While players the likes of Rob Miller and Nick Grove have been far from sub par offensively on the blueline this season for Brooklyn, both averaging close to a point a game, Hoffman’s big presence with the man advantage has given the Aces a different look and has helped maintain the team’s uncanny amount of offensive production.

It’s something the coaching staff is fully aware of and is hoping can continue the rest of the season

“He’s been outstanding,” Aces coach Chris Firriolo said. “He’s been huge for us and has stepped up. He’s very poised and moves the puck very well and works hard in the corners too. We really like the way he’s played so far.”

Last playing with the US Junior A New York Bobcats a few seasons ago and the Professional In-line Hockey Association, where he scored 29 points in 32 games with the L495ers last season, Hoffman is relishing in his early play, but isn’t getting comfortable just yet with his success.

As a matter of fact, he expects to get even better as the season progresses.

“It feels really good,” said the 25-year-old Hoffman of the praise he’s garnered this season from the team’s coaching staff. “I really like this franchise and I’m happy that I’m here. It’s great to be playing here. I think I can produce a lot more than I have been as well.”

Photo by Ron Hatcher

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You can listen directly here at:

http://media.switchpod.com/users/patrickhickeyjr1/AOBPODCAST1118.mp3

Or you can download the file on to your I-Pod or I-Phone here:

http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=294739484

Also, the podcasts will now begin as soon as you access the site. I figured it would save some of the less tech-savvy people a few steps. If that doesn’t work for you, you can simply click the stop button and resume surfing as usual.

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And why not? Born and raised in Dyker Heights, the 24-year-old’s play on the ice is a direct representation of what it means to be from Brooklyn: charismatic and tough. Simply put, even if Brannigan was from Boston, he’d still fit the Brooklyn hockey scene like a glove.

However, Brannigan has done a lot more than look good on the ice this season. Scoring eight goals in his first five games, he’s quickly become a fan favorite in his hometown and has proved he’s a lot more than just a marketing ploy for the first year Aces.

“I know there’s a lot of pressure on me,” said Brannigan. “But I couldn’t ask for more right now. Things are going great.”

More than just a talented goal-scorer, Brannigan plays the game with a chip on his shoulder.

It’s something that might not be that noticeable after watching him play once, but Brannigan doesn’t like to be pushed around on the ice and is willing to push back if he has to. Even in practice, Brannigan likes to give his teammates a half playful shove if they get too close. While fans in Brooklyn have always been fans of the rough stuff and have gone wild every time a scrap breaks out at Aviator, Firriolo believes there’s a method to Brannigan’s sneer.

“I think it’s great. You need to have that edge,” said Firriolo. “He’s in a tough situation now, playing in front of his hometown with all these expectations on him, but he comes to the rink every day and works hard. I think by playing the way he does, he keeps everything in perspective and doesn’t take anything for granted.”

Nonetheless, Firriolo knows what Brannigan is out there to do. In spite of that, the Aces coach has seen Brannigan’s production help the team in other ways as well.

“He opens up the ice for the rest of this team,” said Firriolo. “When you can produce the way he does, you can stretch the defense out and give your teammates chances to produce. He’s done that and more this season.”

For the sniper, who battled through four years at Colorado College as a full scholarship athlete without getting a chance to strut his stuff, the notion of leading a professional hockey league in goals while playing for his hometown is a dream come true.

“I feel really good right now and I’m still really excited to be here,” said Brannigan after scoring his first professional hat trick on November 15. “I’m having a blast.”

Photos by Ron Hatcher and Casey B. Gibson.

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Scoring four goals in the first period, the kings of the EPHL coasted to a 7-1 win in their most complete effort of the young 2008-2009 season.

Stressing the importance of a 60-minute effort after the team’s come from behind victory on Friday, Aces head coach Chris Firriolo was all smiles after the game.

“I think this was a great turn around from the past few games,” said Firriolo. “We came out hard and we did it early. I thought that was key.”

The Aces got an early lead after Chris Holmes smoked a vicious slapshot past Mad Hatters goaltender Derek MacIntyre at 3:14. At 11:47, James Brannigan too proved that he could slap it with the best of them, sending one past MacIntyre and giving Brooklyn a 2-0 lead.

Less than a minute later at 12:46, the good times kept rolling for Brooklyn after a C.J. Tozzo deflection off a Rob Miller shot from the point found it’s way to the back of the net and made it a 3-0 game. The Aces weren’t done yet however, as Brannigan scored again, this time from the top of the crease after Kyle McCullough and Tozzo had chances of their own, giving Brooklyn a devilish 4-0 lead.

“It felt good,” said Brannigan, the Dyker Heights-native who now has eight goals on the season to lead the EPHL. “I’m having a blast here, I love it.”

Aside from all the offense, the first period also featured two fights, with Jerry Cardinale and Jesse Felten heading to the sin bin respectively. Aces goaltender Eddie Neville was also solid, making 12 saves.

The Mad Hatters then tried to spoil the Aces party in the second, getting on the board just 2:29 into the period on an Igor Karlov powerplay goal that cut the Brooklyn lead to 4-1. Neville quickly stopped the bleeding however and was solid the rest of the period, turning aside a plethora of quality scoring opportunities. With Neville strong, the Aces eventually reclaimed their four-goal lead, as Felten scored shorthanded on a beautiful deke move at 13:34 that put them up 5-1.

“I felt really good today,” said Neville. “I was sharp and confident. My defense played really well today and they gave me an opportunity to see the puck. We’re a young team, but I think this was an important game for us. We’re going to keep getting better and better.”

The score remained that way into the third and with Neville continuing to dominate, the Aces needed only to play smart to induce a victory. However, the smell of Danbury’s blood was looming on Brannigan’s stick, as the Aces forward dipsy-doodled his way around three defenders before snapping a wrist shot past MacIntyre for his third goal of the night, giving Brooklyn a 6-1 lead. B.J. Kuper then added a tally of his own with 8:17 remaining, officially putting the game away at 7-1.

“They are a good team,” said Firriolo, of Danbury. “We either caught them on a bad night, or we were just that good.”

Winning four of their first five games this season, the Aces’ offense has proven to be a force to be reckoned with, scoring 28 goals in that span. Pleased with the way his team responded after a few haphazard starts over the past three games, Firriolo sees this game as a turning point in the young season.

“It was the first time they played a complete game this season,” he said. “We got good goaltending and came out flying. I’m very proud of them. I know it’s only been five games, but you can’t ask for much better than 4-1.”

Notes-

Before the game, the Aces skated with pink jerseys that were later auctioned off to fans to raise funds and awareness for the American Cancer Society.

Brannigan’s hat trick was the first of his pro career.

Video-

Aces enforcer Chad Wilcox drops the gloves with Danbury’s Hank Corisio.

Photos by Patrick Hickey Jr. & Ron Hatcher.

Video by Patrick Hickey Jr.

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But after the first two periods, the Aces, looking flat and unenergized, seemed destined for another loss at home.

However, after a three-goal third and 61 shots on goal for the night, they clawed out a 7-6 come from behind win.

“We battled back and chipped away,” said Aces coach Chris Firriolo. “We have to be more disciplined though. We came out on fire in the third and I was proud of them for it.”

Things started out sloppy in the first, with both teams committing early turnovers and their respective goalies responding. Bears forward Scott Horvath then broke the early stalemate, putting Hudson Valley on the board first after beating Aces goaltender Miro Recicar from the doorstep at 3:20. At 7:41, Hudson Valley stretched the lead to 2-0 after a Chris Seifert shorthanded goal that seemed to take the fans in attendance out of the game.

“We played sloppy,” said Aces forward Mike Thomson. “We battled back though. We just kept going.”

Brooklyn’s speedster Jesse Felten answered back on the powerplay just 26 seconds later at 8:05 however, cutting the lead to 2-1. Just when things started to look brighter for Brooklyn, they got a lot worse. Forced to kill a 43 second five on three powerplay after Rob Miller and Mike Christensen landed in the penalty box for hooking and tripping, the Aces found themselves in a tight squeeze. With eight seconds left on Christensen’s penalty, Hudson Valley then reclaimed their two-goal lead after another goal on the doorstep, this one by Devin Guy.

With the score remaining at 3-1 through the end of the first period, the Aces needed to come out strong in the second and after just 1:08 of the period, Seifert added his second goal on the night, stretching the lead to 4-1.

1:08 later, the Aces battled back once again as Ian McLoughlin scored to make it a two-goal game.

Still down two goals in the second, Aces captain Dan Rohanna got the fans back into it at 4:19 with an evenly-matched scrap with Joe Pele. All of a sudden, Brooklyn had the jump that netted them 12 goals in their first two games on the road and was back and buzzing. At 7:08, Brooklyn’s hard work paid off after newbie Andrew Scampoli, playing in his first game of the season with the team, scored, making it a 4-3 game.

Former Ace Scott Estey, claimed by the Bears a few weeks ago, then broke the momentum for Brooklyn, scoring at 16:54 to give Hudson Valley their third two-goal lead of the night. Refusing to give up, the Aces scored with 18.4 seconds remaining in the period, as sniper James Brannigan notched his fifth goal of the season, making it a 5-4 game after two periods of play.

“I love it here so far,” said Scampoli, who joined the team yesterday after starting the season with Danbury. “We got together after the first period was over and we decided to get to work. Our drive and athleticism really shined through tonight.”

Down by a goal with only 20 minutes to play, Christensen got the Aces off on the right foot in the third, catching Hudson Valley goaltender Len DiCostanzo sleeping, bouncing a wide angle shot from the corner off his right pad and into the goal, tying the game at 5-5. Brooklyn continued to run into penalty trouble in the third however, as Miller and Felten were both sent to the sin bin, giving Hudson Valley another five on three. Recicar was confident in net this time around however, making several solid saves.

With Recicar holding down the fort after a shaky first two periods, the Aces got a powerplay opportunity and made the most of it after a nice passing play by Nick Grove and Brannigan that eventually found it’s way to C.J. Tozzo with 9:05 remaining. With their first lead of the night, Brooklyn then doubled it after Kyle McCollaugh scored shorthanded at 12:20. The Bears proved resilient however and battled right back, as Estey scored for the second time, just 17 seconds later, making it a 7-6 game.

Hudson Valley’s offense was shut down the rest of the way however, as Brooklyn tightened up defensively and got some help when Hudson Valley head coach Scott Beneke was ejected with 2:41 remaining, securing a 7-6 come from behind win.

Now 3-1 after four games played, the Aces have outscored their opponents 22-16 and are currently in first place. Nevertheless, Firriolo believes his team still has a lot of work ahead of them.

“This is the third game in a row we came out flat,” he said. “This is a problem we’re going to have to fix. We have a lot of problems to correct and a lot of work ahead of us. ”

Notes-

Rohanna and Pelle dropped the gloves again later in the game, with Rohanna clearly getting the better of the Hudson Valley forward the second time around.

Video- Rohanna vs. Pelle Round 2

Photos by Ron Hatcher and Patrick Hickey Jr.

Video by Patrick Hickey Jr.

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The Aces resident pest, B.J. Kuper is the James Bond of agitators in the newly-formed EPHL.

Make no mistake about it, just like Bond’s license to love, Kuper has one of his own as well.

To annoy.

“I’m a grinder, but my job first and foremost is to be a pest,” he said. “To be the first guy in the corners and to hassle defenders and draw penalties. It’s also my job to make the game as uncomfortable as I can for the opposition.”

However, despite his prowess as a pest, Kuper, like a double agent, has no problem masquerading as someone else. With two assists in three games this season, the 23-year-old looks like a first liner on the team’s grind-line with Mike Thomson and Chad Wilcox.

Attributing his early success to his linemates and his new teammates, Kuper believes he’ll have plenty of opportunities to continue producing.

“Every guy on this team has talent,” Kuper said. “We have a lot of offensive talent on this team and even though it’s only a few games in, I think everyone is going to have an opportunity to get some goals and points. Working with C.J. Tozzo, I even get chances when we’re shorthanded. We have plenty of other guys that can put the puck on my tape too. It’s my job to bury them.”

An endless ball of energy on the ice, Kuper draws inspiration from a player many New York hockey fans will recognize.

“When I was little guy, I loved Pavel Bure,” said Kuper. “He was a little guy that flew all over the ice. He’s got better hands and speed than me, that pretty much goes without saying, but I always loved watching him. I really enjoy watching those guys that show up ready to play every day, don’t take a shift off and put their bodies on the line. It’s hard to model, but I feel like I’m getting more experience everyday at this level. I love it. I couldn’t ask for more right now.”

A top player at Roxbury High School in New Jersey a few years ago, Kuper eventually crossed paths with Aces coach Chris Firriolo, who coached him while he was on the NJ-Native Elite team. It’s obvious he liked what he saw then and once he started putting the pieces together with the Aces this season, one of the first people he brought in was Kuper.

Out of professional hockey for a few years, after spending time in Junior-A and battling personal problems, Kuper is making the most of the opportunity his old mentor has given him; effectively irritating everyone on the ice that isn’t wearing red, white and blue in the process.

“He gave me a shot,” he said. “I hope I’m living up to it.”

Photo by Ron Hatcher.

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Through his first three games this season, Wilcox has done just that, dishing out a bevy of big hits and an assist. However, if those stats don’t prove his worth to his new team, his 25 penalty minutes do an even better job of convincing any naysayer what he brings to the Aces.

All that considered, it’s baffling how quickly the 30-year-old Las Vegas-native has adjusted to his new team, especially when he wasn’t even on the roster when training camp began three weeks ago. Even stranger was his arrival, as a stroke of bad luck ended up giving the grizzled veteran a second chance and the Aces the bona fide enforcer they lacked.

“I wasn’t planning on playing hockey this season, it was kind of a fluke thing,” said Wilcox. “It’s actually a really funny story. My girlfriend kicked me out of the house; it was a really bad battle. She came back later and we both apologized, but by then I had already spoken to my agent, who told me that the Aces were contacting him on his e-mail about me. I signed my contract a few hours before she came home from work. Later on, we decided that it would be good for me to give it one more go and here I am.”

And give it one more go he has. Quickly establishing himself as the team’s enforcer, Wilcox’s impressive knockout power has given the Aces a reputation as one of the tougher team’s in the league.

Confident is his ability, Wilcox knows what he came to do in Brooklyn this season.

I don’t expect to lose a fight hands down all season,” he said. “I’m going to provide that leadership and toughness this team needs.”

Nevertheless, he’s sees himself being more than able to contribute on the offensive end of the ice as well.

“I’m a big body in front, so I also expect to bury a few goals here and there,” the 6′2, 220 pound Wilcox said. “I got one in the preseason and got one taken away from me earlier in the season.”

On a team that features a bevy of offensive stars that are undersized, the Aces are more than happy to give Wilcox a regular shift with the more than offensively solid B.J. Kuper and dependable Mike Thomson, in an effort to make sure no one takes liberties with their prize horses.

So far, so good.

“He has a lot of offer leadership-wise,” said Aces coach Chris Firriolo. “He keeps a handle on the game and keeps the guys cool. When we play a team that has a lot of toughness, he neutralizes that and gets us going.”

Even so, the clips on HockeyFights.com and the posts on message boards all over the Internet depict the heavy-handed Wilcox as a one dimensional player. In spite of that, his work in the corners and in front of the net this season have the Aces thinking otherwise.

Despite only two career goals and 491 PIM in 103 professional games, Wilcox too sees himself as more than an enforcer and is ready to prove just that this season.

“I’m not just a fighter, but it is one of the bigger things I bring to the table,” Wilcox said. “Fighting is a big part of the sport, mainly because this is the only sport where every player gets to carry a weapon around in their hands. If someone takes liberties with those weapons, you have to make sure it doesn’t happen again. There’s more to the game than that though. I work really hard in practice and I’m always moving my feet and trying to develop more as I player. If I didn’t do that, I wouldn’t be on the ice with everybody else.”

Photos by Ron Hatcher.

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Beating New Jersey in their two prior meetings and scoring 12 goals through their first two regular season contests, the Aces were the heavy favorite before the game.

New Jersey goaltender Nick Niedert had other things in mind though, making 60 saves in a 3-2 Rockhoppers win.

“You got to tip your hat to the guy,” said Aces coach Chris Firriolo. “They deserved to win tonight. He was the reason why they won.”

The game started well enough for the Aceshowever, as they were aggressive on the forecheck and fired a ton of shots early on Niedert. A fight early in the period by Aces forward and Bensonhurst-native Jerry Cardinale also got the fans into the game and seemed to sway the momentum. Nevertheless, the Aces offense, which came into the game with ten players averaging a point a game, couldn’t find the back of the net.

A hooking penalty from first line center C.J. Tozzo later in the first period gave New Jersey a powerplay and that’s when the game’s scoreless streak ended it’s course. A cross-ice pass from New Jersey forward Chris Ferazzoli hit an Aces defenseman’s skate and banked in off of goalie Eddie Neville’s pads at 15:20, giving the Rockhoppers a 1-0 lead going into the second period.

“I think we lost this game mentally,” said Aces forward B.J. Kuper. “I think the fans know that we were the better team out there, but we had a mental lapse and it ended up costing us.”

The Aces wasted no time getting back into the game physically in the second, as Chad Wilcox waited only 52 seconds before pummeling Rich Jondo and earning himself a five minute penalty for fighting. The Aces then reestablished their forecheck and got several solid scoring opportunities from Jesse Felten and Nick Grove, but Niedert held his ground and kept the Aces scoreless.

Things got worse for Brooklyn at 7:59 of the period, after Derek Porter put the Rockhoppers up by two after depositing a rebound past Neville. At 11:06, the Aces did have a golden opportunity to get back in the game, after Alex Hager got a penalty for tripping, giving them a five on three powerplay for 54 seconds. New Jersey was one step ahead however, silencing the Brooklyn attack and keeping the game at 2-0.

“Our boys looked a little flat tonight,” said Wilcox, who leads the team with 25 PIM. “Every time I’ve gotten in a fight this season, we’ve scored one right away. It doesn’t work all the time though and it didn’t work tonight.”

The Aces had another pair of powerplay opportunities later in the period, including one of the four minute variety, but again had problems finishing and left the ice in the second with the score still deadlocked at 2-0.

The third period began with a bang for Brooklyn, as Grove deposited a chance in front on the powerplay only 49 seconds in to cut the deficit in half. 36 seconds later however, New Jersey got their two-goal lead back on a transition goal by Dustin Henning.

The Aces did have an opportunity or two in the third, including another four minute powerplay with 6:21 remaining in the game.

This time, they cashed in.

Getting shots in from the point during the powerplay, James Brannigan banked in a rebound after a Doug Hoffman blast with 5:24 remaining, making it a 3-2 game. With 54 seconds still remaining on the powerplay, Brooklyn was unable to score the tying goal and ultimately lost 3-2.

Going 2 for 13 on the powerplay for the night, Firriolo believes his team had plenty of opportunities to finish the Rockhoppers off, but lacked the same tenacity that played a key part in their first two victories this season.

“We took this team for granted,” said Firriolo. “We’re a very skilled team, but we played poorly tonight. When you take 62 shots on goal, you have to score more than two goals. We handled them easily in the preseason and I think the guys thought we were going to walk all over them. It’s not good enough. We have to be a team that finishes. It’s a problem.

“The calls were in our favor tonight; we had enough powerplay opportunities; they were basically handing it to us. We just couldn’t do anything with it.”

Photos by Ron Hatcher.

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You can listen directly here at:

http://www.switchpod.com/users/patrickhickeyjr1/AcesOverBrooklynPodcast1108.mp3

Or you can download the file on to your I-Pod or I-Phone here:

http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=294739484

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Regardless of their perfect record thus far though, Aces head coach believes his team is capable of even more on the ice.

“We have to get better every day and every game,” he said. “I think we have to create a bit more traffic in front of the net and generate more offense from the top of the blue line in between the circles, that hot zone. 83 percent of the goals in the NHL are scored from that area. We’re also a team that depends on our forecheck. In order for us to be succesful, we have to be consistent on every single shift. That’s the only way these guys are going to get to the next level. They have to continue to work as hard as they possibly can.”

In spite of his perfectionist demeanor however, Firriolo is pleased with the play of his team thus far.

“We’re averaging six goals a game so far this season and whenever that happens, you put yourself in a great position to win hockey games,” Firriolo said. “Especially with the goaltending we have, if we can continue doing a solid job of putting the puck in the back of the net, we’ll be in good shape. It’s been great that we’ve been getting production from so many players too.”

After two games, the Aces have ten players averaging a point a game, proving that they are in fact a dangerous team on offense. Dyker Heights-native James Brannigan is leading the charge with two goals and three points and may be back in the ECHL faster than most think.

Nevertheless, Firriolo loves what he sees from the Brooklyn boy and believes the play of his teammates has also helped give Brannigan a jump in his step.

“We put a lot of pressure on him and it’s great to see that he’s producing the way he is,” he said. “Other guys are stepping up as well. I think they’ve really opened up the game for James by playing the way they have.”

Brannigan’s linemate C.J. Tozzo also drew some rave reviews from Firriolo, who believes the center’s numbers at Plattsburgh over the past few years weren’t in the least indicative of the youngster’s true potential.

“C.J. scored 100 points in EJHL a few years ago and that’s no small task,” he said. “He’s always been a great player. When he went to college, his coach saw him in a particular role and the kind of guy C.J. is, he did it to the best of his ability and helped the team win. Over time though, players roles change and C.J. is proving that he is capable of more than he was at other levels. Not only is he a great penalty killer, I think he’s a real force offensively.”

On defense, Firriolo feels the team has struck gold with the combination of experience and youth, as both captain Dan Rohanna and assistant captain Rob Miller drew high marks for their gritty and well-balanced play over the first two games of the season. D-man Doug Hoffman has also drawn the attention of the coaching staff, as the little-known defenseman is currently tied for the team lead in goals with two.

“They have a lot to offer leadership-wise and they’ve done a lot to make sure this team is ready to get on the ice every day,” Firriolo said of Rohanna and Miller. “I didn’t know much about Hoffman before the season started, but he’s been our biggest surprise so far. He’s been huge for us. He’s been good on the powerplay and has been good on defense. He’s got a lot of poise and has been a backbone of our defense core.”

Facing 71 shots through the team’s first two games, Firriolo also applauded the team’s goaltending, which he feels kept them in both games and gave them an opportunity to come out victorious.

“We’ve gotten into penalty problems and our goalies have responded,” he said. “I’m not really concerned about shots in general. What I watch out for is high percentage shots. At this level, 30-35 shots a game is about the norm, so like I said, as long as the quality opportunities are kept to a minimum, we should be OK. As the season goes on, that number should drop as well.”

With the team’s home opener tomorrow night, Firriolo feels like the positive momentum from the first two games should carry over and give his team an even bigger jolt in front of their home fans.

“It’s going to be fun,” he said. “We’re excited.”

Notes-

Box Score to last night’s Aces game:

http://www.leaguestat.com/ephl/ephl/en/stats/game-summary.php?game_id=128

Other news:

I was quoted by the New York Times hockey blog today for my coverage of the New York Islanders. You can check that article out here as well.

http://slapshot.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/11/07/isles-move-to-the-back-of-the-line/

Lastly, you can expect a podcast sometime tomorrow before the game. Until then, have a great one guys.

Photo by Patrick Hickey Jr.

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Aces Over Brooklyn.com- Considering the fact that the sports market of New York has enigmatic owners like the Dolan’s, Steinbrenner’s and Wang’s, it’s obvious that fans here want to know more about who calls the shots for their favorite teams. How do you see yourself as an owner?

Alan Friedman- Well to start off, I’m a real hands on kind of guy. I don’t like to sit around at a desk and watch other people do work while I twiddle my thumbs. I like to get involved. I feel like we should have a front office that works hard and I will be by their side working hard with them, rather than sitting back. However, I do know when not to get involved. When it comes to coaching and player personnel, I have to leave that to [Aces Head Coach] Chris [Firriolo]. He has so much knowledge and is so well versed in the sport. I have to let him do that. He wouldn’t come into my office and tell me how to do things, so it ends up being a situation where you have to know when to get involved and when not to.

AOB- Even though the team has only played one game, do you have a favorite Ace thus far?

Friedman- You know something, as of right now, I couldn’t pick a favorite. I try not to look at them as individuals though. I look at them as a team. As a matter of fact, it’s really strange that you asked me that because my son asked me the same question the other night. I asked him how could you pick someone out of this bunch of guys? Off the ice, they’re always smiling and they’re good-natured guys. These are the kind of guys that you want to root for. How could you pick one guy over another? You really can’t.

AOB- Why did you decide to get involved with the Aces?

Friedman- Even though I’m a big Ranger fan, I’m an even bigger hockey fan. That’s the reason why I feel like I had to get involved here. It happened late in the game. I’ve only been with the team for five weeks. Being the big hockey fan that I am, when the opportunity came in my lap, I jumped all over it. To make a long story short, the owner of the Brooklyn club was Curt Russell and he is actually my son’s hockey coach. I know Kurt for years and years and actually, this season I went and got all my licensing done and I’m able to coach the kids as well, so I coached with him. One day, we got to talking and I told him I really wanted to get involved in the league and he asked me to get involved here in Brooklyn. I thought he was kidding at first, but he was totally serious; I jumped all over it.

AOB- You sound really excited. This sounds like a dream come true to you.

Friedman- It really is. I mean seriously, we play at Aviator Rink. Right down the block is Kings Plaza where I used to spend my Friday and Saturday nights hanging out as a teenager. These are my roots and I really love this sport and I love Brooklyn. I had a meeting with Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz today and he’s another guy that really shares my love of the area. We feel the same way.

AOB- What do you think will set this team apart from the other teams in the league?

Friedman- Being a minor league team, I feel that these guys really want to do the little things like sign autographs and talk to the fans. They have a special kind of class. Overall, I think they’re a bunch of really classy kids. They want to be a part of the experience for the fans and they’re happy to be on the ice. They really love this game and it shows a lot with them.

Considering that this is only about the first half of the interview, I’ll post the rest next week. Until then, you can expect a podcast and an interview with Aces coach Chris Firriolo before the team’s home opener.

Photo by the Brooklyn Aces

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If Giuliani saw Aces defenseman Rob Miller on the ice back then, he would have thrown the Morristown-NJ native in the slammer.

Just like an M-80, Miller is living proof that lightning can come in small packages. 5′10 and 190 pounds, Miller hits hard and has a steady offensive game that will undoubtedly be showcased this season in Brooklyn.

“I spent four years in the ACHL and SPHL and that was my reputation,” he said. “Playing small, but tenacious. That’s the way I’ve always played. That’s how I’ve always been categorized. That’s it.”

With 109 points in 200 games of pro hockey under his belt, Miller will obviously be asked to help out on the powerplay. With over 400 minutes in penalties during his time in the pros as well, he’ll also give the Aces another solid physical presence.

Nevertheless, in spite of his versatility, he sees himself filling a variety of roles.

“I usually play on the powerplay and offensive roles,” Miller, who will serve as the team’s assistant captain this season, said. “I think that will be the case when the season starts and everyone gets situated. At any rate, I’m here to help this team and I’ll do anything that [Aces Head Coach] Chris [Firriolo] wants me to do to help these kids.”

However, there’s more to Miller than meets the eye.

Out of professional hockey for two seasons, the 29-year-old was attempting to make his mark as a coach before the season started. Earning his bumps and bruises first in juniors as an Assistant Coach with the Walpole Express, Miller then accepted a spot as the Assistant Coach with the EPHL’s New Hampshire Freeze. Unfortunately for him, the team soon folded, temporarily leaving him without a hockey home.

After a week of contemplating his future, the Aces came calling, giving the former Salem State College standout another lease on his playing career.

While Miller admitted he’s not sure what the future holds for him, he’s still excited to play in Brooklyn this season.

“I like this team a lot,” said Miller, who models his game after former New Jersey defenseman Brian Rafalski. “There are a lot of good guys here and that’s always very important. In pro hockey, it’s always about forming a cohesive unit and I think we’re on our way there. I think Chris picked a real good bunch of kids. They all really want to play and get to the next level. That’s exactly what I think Chris wants them to do too.”

Using the experience he’s gained as a coach over the past two seasons, Miller is ready to take this new role with the same tenacity he’s been known for throughout his first run as a pro.

“I think our defense is going to be very good,” he said. “I know a lot of the players the other teams have. I’ve watched a lot of them and played with or against some of them too. When we start to get in a rhythm and start practicing every day, we’re going to be good.”

Photos by Patrick Hickey Jr.

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No other news is available at this time, [I wish I had more, but I'm only covering the team's home games this season] but at the very least, it’s a great step in the right direction for this team. Anyone that has seen this team practice this season will tell you that they have tons of speed on the forward lines and a crafty and intelligent defense to go along with more than solid goaltending.

Looks like the Rockhoppers found that out first hand last night.

Site News:

This looks to be the biggest week in this site’s short history, as I still have interviews to post on Rob Miller and Scott Estey [Update, According to a source within the Aces organization, the Hudson Valley Bears have picked up Estey, so scratch that idea]. On Monday, I’ll have a Q & A session with Aces majority owner Alan Friedman, discussing his thoughts on the team and what he thinks the future holds for them. I will also talk to Aces Coach Chris Firriolo on Friday to discuss the team’s two-game road trip before the home opener. Add in a Podcast on Saturday and a recap of the home opener and I think you’ll agree, this is going to be one crazy week on AcesOverBrooklyn.com.

Photo by Patrick Hickey Jr.

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The New York Islanders dynasty of the early ’80s had players like Andurs Kallur and Butch Goring who consistently came through in the clutch. The 1994 New York Rangers had Esa Tikkanen and Craig MacTavish who annoyed defenses and won big faceoffs. The Devils still have John Madden and Jay Pandolfo, who drive opposing offenses crazy every night with their endless hustle.

The Brooklyn Aces have C.J. Tozzo.

“I’ll do whatever they need me to,” he said. “I don’t see myself as a one-dimensional player. I can fill a variety of roles. I like to use my speed to create offensive opportunities and find my teammates. Because of that, I’d ideally like to be in a playmaking center type role and play with a good scoring winger with speed. I’m the type of player who can create offensive opportunities, but I’m responsible defensively as well.”

After losing the Div. III national championship with Plattsburgh State last season, Tozzo is ready to make the most of his first season as a pro.

“I knew my career wasn’t over [after college] and I had a bitter taste in my mouth,” he said. “Because of that, this season was something I’ve been really looking forward to and I’m really happy that I have an opportunity here.”

A leader at Plattsburgh State, where he scored 11 goals and 31 points in 70 games in two and a half seasons, Tozzo opened up the eyes of the fans and coaching staff with his work ethic and consistency.

“What C.J. brings to the team is his relentless penalty killing,” Plattsburgh State Head Coach Bob Emery told the Journal News in January. “Offensively, C.J. leads the team as far as penalty chances he creates. He’s had a little bit of bum luck finishing, but we’re just thankful he gets the opportunities, and most of the opportunities he creates himself.”

That type of work ethic is what got Tozzo a shot with the ECHL’s Ontario Reign this summer, but in a turn of events that worked out in the Aces favor, less than a week before the team’s first practice, Tozzo arrived in shape and ready to contribute. However, with skilled finishers the likes of Chris Holmes, Jesse Felten, Mike Christensen and James Brannigan on the team, Tozzo isn’t likely to get first line ice time and will most likely be used in a Richard Park/Blair Betts energy type role.

However, that doesn’t mean he can’t or won’t contribute anywhere the team puts him.

Either way, he’s just happy to be on the ice.

“I’m from Westchester, I live 35 minutes away from here,” the 5′9 180-pound Tozzo said. “The opportunity to play in my own backyard is great. I was looking at a few other teams in the SPHL and I went to a free agent camp as well. I wasn’t even aware of this league at first and then me and coach Firriolo started talking and I decided to take advantage of this opportunity.”

Photo by Patrick Hickey Jr.

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To succeed in pro hockey, the 22-year-old, who stands in at 5′9 and 165 pounds knows he has to have a few endearing qualities to make a career out the game he’s spent his entire life playing.

Luckily, he’s got NHL-caliber speed and has been playing against bigger players his entire life.

“I come from a big family,” said Felten. “I was adopted and have 16 brothers. There are 23 of us all together. 10 of us were in hockey at one time. It’s a huge thing in our family.”

Add in a wicked release and some solid stick handling ability and it’s easy to see that Felten has the potential to be a star in his first season in pro hockey.

Calm and cool, Felten too sees himself playing a big part in the Aces offensive attack this season.

“I see myself scoring a point a game,” he said. “I think it’s something that I can do. I’m really excited to get an opportunity and I’m going to make the most of it.”

During the team’s first practice last week, Felten seemed more than comfortable on the ice, looking like another speedster, former Islander Jason Blake. Buzzing and drawing defenders with every stride, Felten wasn’t shy about calling for the puck in the neutral zone either, looking eager to bring the biscuit into the offensive zone and create. Much like Blake, with his speed, Felten should also see considerable time on the penalty kill this season and will be a serious shorthanded threat.

“He can kill penalties and score if he has to,” Aces coach Chris Firriolo said after interrupting Felten when he was asked about his penalty killing prowess. “He scored a few shorties a few years ago when he was with me.”

Registering an impressive 35 goals and 63 points in only 49 games, while playing for Firriolo with the Oswego Admirals of the OPHL in 2006, Felton knows he’s going to fit right in with the coach’s high puck pursuit game this season.

“I’ll play wherever they need me to,” Felten, who models his game after former Ranger Martin Straka, said. “There are a lot of guys trying to fit in right now, but I know what I’m capable of.”

Scoring 32 points in only 24 games with Briercrest College last season, Felten proved his first season with Firriolo was no fluke. With one season of college hockey under his belt, Felten then got a call from his old coach this summer and felt the time was right to turn pro.

An admitted small town boy, Felten has been taking his time getting used to life in Brooklyn.

“I’ve never been in this area before,” the Wisconsin-native said. “It wasn’t too much of a culture shock, but I haven’t done much here yet. I can’t wait for the guys to show me around.”

Nevertheless, he’s eager to get his professional hockey career started.

“I can’t wait to get going,” he said. “I’m really excited.”

Photos by Patrick Hickey Jr.

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As a matter of fact, the 22-year-old forward may be the most most talented player on the roster.

Scoring a goal and adding an assist during the team’s first exhibition game this season as well, Holmes has already begun to prove his worth on an already talented Brooklyn offense.

“I’m going to lead by example,” Holmes said. “I don’t talk much, but I’ll try to get my teammates going by doing something on the ice. If it’s a fight or a big goal, it doesn’t matter. A lot of people know me as someone who has a good shot, but I’ll do anything I have to order to help this team win.”

A better than point a game player in his first pro season, Holmes scored 41 points in 23 games with the Valley Forge Freedom of the MAHL and knows he can bring that same type of scoring ability to the Aces this year. After a cup of coffee in the ECHL last season with the Elmira Jackals, where he went scoreless in 10 games, Holmes also knows he is capable of playing at higher levels. Because of that, he’s looking to make a splash with the Aces in order to solidify his reputation as a talented scorer.

For that reason, Holmes is looking forward to the new season even more.

“I think this is going to be a great opportunity for me,” said Holmes. “I was up and down last season and it was a lot of fun. I played in front of 5,000 people every night. It was overwhelming at times, but it was a very competitive environment. I’m going to keep working hard this season and I know it’s not a long shot for me to get called up again. I know I fit in here and I’ll have an opportunity to make the most of things. I’m happy to be here.”

Despite being an admitted sniper by trade, Holmes, who claims to own a 96 mph slap shot as well, has no problem dishing the puck either and could fit in nicely with Brannigan on the team’s top line. Comparing his game to that of former NHL star Claude Lemieux and current NHL bad boy Sean Avery, the Brick, NJ-native and lifelong Devils fan isn’t scared to drop the gloves if he has to either and believes that great players come up big when the chips are down.

This season, all he believes he needs is a few opportunities in crunch time to show his coach and teammates exactly what he is made of.

Regardless of where he projects to be or what he feels he’s capable of doing though, Holmes is ready to help the team in any way he can.

Because in the end, all he cares about is winning.

“I’ve been waiting all summer for this,” he said. “I can’t wait to get going. I know people care about this team in the area and they’re going to come out and watch us. That’s going to help motivate me and it’s going to be great.”

With a plethora of variety in his game and a passion to do whatever it takes to win, Holmes will be a valued commodity on the Aces this season.

“I’m a small guy, but I always like the guys who hit, fight and do whatever it takes out there,” Holmes said. “I’m not the type of guy that’s going to stay in the slot and not expect to be hit. I’m going to hit back too. I love that part of the game. I’m more of an all-around guy, I’ll do whatever the coaches need me to do, whether it’s killing penalties or taking shots on the powerplay. I think as a professional hockey player, you have to be prepared to step into any situation and perform. That’s what I try and do out there every night.”

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Speedster Jesse Felten got the Aces on the board 24 seconds into the game on Saturday and they didn’t look back, adding five more goals by the game’s end in a 6-2 rout over the Rockhoppers.

Felton told me after practice on Tuesday that he feels he can score a point a game this season.

So far, so good.

Brooklyn-native James Brannigan added two goals as well while Chris Holmes [goal, assist], Mike Christensen [goal, assist] and assistant captain Nick Grove [two assists] all registered two points.

If you’re a fan of this team, this is great news. Holmes and Christiansen are extremely talented players that will be depended on this season. Grove is a leader that can be a force on both ends of the ice and getting him started on the right foot after a year out of professional hockey is a great sign for them as well.

With that being said, with less than two weeks to go before the season begins, it looks like the Aces are firing on all cylinders. Good goaltending and solid defense win championships, but a great offense certainly makes things that much easier. While it’s obvious that no team can keep up this type of pace for an entire season, it’s good to see that the Aces have the firepower needed to keep themselves ahead of the pack.

It makes this first season in the EPHL an even more interesting one.

Site News:

I did an interview with Aces forward Chris Holmes last week, and that will be the next piece featured on the site. I apologize for the delay, but after attending the team’s practice, I had to write a recap of that and do a podcast. Holmes was a really nice guy and I’m sure everyone will enjoy the piece when I post it this week.

Also, I just want to say for the record that while this site is an individual venture, it is made possible in part to the fact that I am the sports editor of Bay Currents newspaper. I am not a freelance blogger or crazed fan. While I thank the team for putting a link to my site on their’s, I am not associated with the Aces in any way, shape or form. I am a credited journalist with a college degree in journalism. I’m not doing this to toot my own horn. Rather, instead to make a statement. I am covering the team because as a journalist, it is my job to report the news. I know that so far, the majority of my coverage has been positive. That doesn’t mean that I’m not going to be fair and unbiased once the season starts.

Just wanted to throw that out there.

Photos by Patrick Hickey Jr.

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You can listen to it here, or you can download the file here. It should be up on I-Tunes in the next few days as well.

Enjoy!

P.S.

Expect an interview with Aces forwards Chris Holmes and Jessie Felton next week. After Tuesday’s practice, I also interviewed CJ Tozzo, Scott Estey and Rob Miller. Those should be up on the site soon as well.

Stay Tuned!

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Speedy forwards such as Brooklyn-native James Brannigan, CJ Tozzo and Chris Holmes stood out repeatedly throughout the practice and should give the Aces the pieces on the forward lines that could give the first-year team a smörgåsbord of offensive options.

“We got some great guys on